COMPUTER LAB

AutoCAD
AutoCAD was derived from a program that began in 1977, and then released in 1979 called Interact
CAD also referred to in early Autodesk documents as MicroCAD, which was written prior to Autodesk's
(then Marinchip Software Partners) formation by Autodesk cofounder Michael Riddle
The first version by Autodesk was demonstrated at the 1982 Comdex and released that December.
AutoCAD supported CP/M-80 computers. As Autodesk's flagship product, by March 1986 AutoCAD had
become the most ubiquitous CAD program worldwideThe 2020 release marked the 34th major release of
AutoCAD for Windows. The 2019 release marked the ninth consecutive year of AutoCAD for Mac. The
native file format of AutoCAD is .dwg. This and, to a lesser extent, its interchange file format DXF, have
become de facto, if proprietary, standards for CAD data interoperability, particularly for 2D drawing
exchange. AutoCAD has included support for .dwf, a format developed and promoted by Autodesk, for
publishing CAD data.
Features
Compatibility with other software
ESRI ArcMap 10 permits export as AutoCAD drawing files. Civil 3D permits export as AutoCAD
objects and as LandXML. Third-party file converters exist for specific formats such as Bentley MX
GENIO Extension, PISTE Extension (France), ISYBAU (Germany), OKSTRA and Microdrainage (UK);
[12]
 also, conversion of .pdf files is feasible, however, the accuracy of the results may be unpredictable or
distorted. For example, jagged edges may appear. Several vendors provide online conversions for free
such as Cometdocs.
Language
Auto CAD and AutoCAD LT are available for English, German, French, Italian,
Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Brazilian
Portuguese, Russian, Czech, Polish and Hungarian, Albanian (also through additional language packs).
[13]
 The extent of localization varies from full translation of the product to documentation only. The
AutoCAD command set is localized as a part of the software localization.
Extensions
AutoCAD supports a number of APIs for customization and automation. These include AutoLISP, Visual
LISP, VBA, .NET and ObjectARX. ObjectARX is a C++ class library, which was also the base for:
 products extending AutoCAD functionality to specific fields
 creating products such as AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Civil 3D
 third-party AutoCAD-based application
There are a large number of AutoCAD plugins (add-on applications) available on the application store
Autodesk Exchange Apps AutoCAD's DXF, drawing exchange format, allows importing and exporting
drawing information.
Vertical integration
Autodesk has also developed a few vertical programs for discipline-specific enhancements such as:
 AutoCAD Advance Steel
 AutoCAD Architecture
 AutoCAD CIVIL 3D
 AutoCAD Electrical
 AutoCAD ecscad
 AutoCAD Map 3D
 AutoCAD Mech
 AutoCAD MEP
 AutoCAD Structural Detailing
 AutoCAD Utility Design
 AutoCAD P&ID
 AutoCAD Plant 3D
Since AutoCAD 2019 several verticals are included with AutoCAD subscription as Industry-Specific
Toolset.
For example, AutoCAD Architecture (formerly Architectural Desktop) permits architectural designers to
draw 3D objects, such as walls, doors, and windows, with more intelligent data associated with them
rather than simple objects, such as lines and circles. The data can be programmed to represent specific
architectural products sold in the construction industry, or extracted into a data file for pricing, materials
estimation, and other values related to the objects represented.
Additional tools generate standard 2D drawings, such as elevations and sections, from a 3D architectural
model. Similarly, Civil Design, Civil Design 3D, and Civil Design Professional support data-specific
objects facilitating easy standard civil engineering calculations and representations.
Softdesk Civil was developed as an AutoCAD add-on by a company in New Hampshire called Softdesk
(originally DCA). Softdesk was acquired by Autodesk, and Civil became Land Development Desktop
(LDD), later renamed Land Desktop. Civil 3D was later developed and Land Desktop was retired.
Variants
AutoCAD LT
AutoCAD LT is the lower cost version of AutoCAD, with reduced capabilities, first released in
November 1993. Autodesk developed AutoCAD LT to have an entry-level CAD package to compete in
the lower price level. Priced at $495, it became the first AutoCAD product priced below $1000. It was
sold directly by Autodesk and in computer stores unlike the full version of AutoCAD, which must be
purchased from official Autodesk dealers. AutoCAD LT 2015 introduced Desktop Subscription from
$360 per year; as of 2018, three subscription plans were available, from $50 a month to a 3-year, $1170
license.
While there are hundreds of small differences between the full AutoCAD package and AutoCAD LT,
there are a few recognized major differences [15] in the software's features:
 3D Capabilities: AutoCAD LT lacks the ability to create, visualize and render 3D models as well
as 3D printing.
 Network Licensing: AutoCAD LT cannot be used on multiple machines over a network.
 Customization: AutoCAD LT does not support customization with LISP, ARX, .NET and VBA.
 Management and automation capabilities with Sheet Set Manager and Action Recorder.
 CAD standards management tools.
AutoCAD 360
Formerly marketed as AutoCAD WS, AutoCAD 360 is an account-based mobile and web application
enabling registered users to view, edit, and share AutoCAD files via mobile device and web [16] using a
limited AutoCAD feature set — and using cloud-stored drawing files. The program, which is an evolution
and combination of previous products, uses a freemium business model with a free plan and two paid
levels — marketed as Pro ($4.99 monthly or $49.99 yearly) and Pro Plus ($99.99 yearly) — including
various amounts of storage, tools, and online access to drawings. 360 includes new features such as a
"Smart Pen" mode and linking to third-party cloud-based storage such as Dropbox. Having evolved from
Flash-based software, AutoCAD 360 uses HTML5 browser technology available in newer browsers
including Firefox and Google Chrome.
AutoCAD WS began with a version for the iPhone and subsequently expanded to include versions for
the iPod Touch, iPad, Android phones, and Android tablets.[17] Autodesk released the iOS version in
September 2010,[18] following with the Android version on April 20, 2011.[19] The program is available via
download at no cost from the App Store (iOS), Google Play (Android) and Amazon Appstore (Android).
In its initial iOS version, AutoCAD WS supported drawing of lines, circles, and other shapes; creation of
text and comment boxes; and management of color, layer, and measurements — in both landscape and
portrait modes. Version 1.3, released August 17, 2011, added support for unit typing, layer visibility, area
measurement and file management.[16] The Android variant includes the iOS feature set along with such
unique features as the ability to insert text or captions by voice command as well as manually. [19] Both
Android and iOS versions allow the user to save files on-line — or off-line in the absence of an Internet
connection.[19]
In 2011, Autodesk announced plans to migrate the majority of its software to "the cloud", starting with
the AutoCAD WS mobile application.[20]
According to a 2013 interview with Ilai Rotbaein, an AutoCAD WS Product Manager for Autodesk, the
name AutoCAD WS had no definitive meaning, and was interpreted variously as Autodesk Web
Service, White Sheet or Work Space.[21]
Student versions
AutoCAD is licensed, for free, to students, educators, and educational institutions, with a 36-month
renewable license available. The student version of AutoCAD is functionally identical to the full
commercial version, with one exception: DWG files created or edited by a student version have an
internal bit-flag set (the "educational flag"). When such a DWG file is printed by any version of
AutoCAD (commercial or student) older than AutoCAD 2014 SP1 or AutoCAD 2019 and newer, the
output includes a plot stamp/banner on all four sides. Objects created in the Student Version cannot be
used for commercial use. Student Version objects "infect" a commercial version DWG file if they are
imported in versions older than AutoCAD 2015 or newer than AutoCAD 2018. [22]
Ports
Windows

An architectural detail drafted in AutoCAD (Windows)

AutoCAD is a software package created for Windows and usually, any new AutoCAD version supports
the current Windows version and some older ones. AutoCAD 2016 to 2020 support Windows 7 up to
Windows 10.[23]
Mac
Autodesk stopped supporting Apple's Macintosh computers in 1994. Over the next several years, no
compatible versions for the Mac were released. In 2010 Autodesk announced that it would once again
support Apple's Mac OS X software in the future. [24] Most of the features found in the 2012 Windows
version can be found in the 2012 Mac version. The main difference is the user interface and layout of the
program. The interface is designed so that users who are already familiar with Apple's macOS software
will find it similar to other Mac applications.[18] Autodesk has also built in various features in order to take
full advantage of Apple's Trackpad capabilities as well as the full-screen mode in Apple's OS X Lion.[17]
[18]
 AutoCAD 2012 for Mac supports both the editing and saving of files in DWG formatting that will
allow the file to be compatible with other platforms besides the OS X. [17] AutoCAD 2019 for Mac requires
Apple OS X v10.11 (El Capitan) or later.
AutoCAD LT 2013 was available through the Mac App Store for $899.99. The full-featured version of
AutoCAD 2013 for Mac, however, wasn't available through the Mac App Store due to the price limit of
$999 set by Apple. AutoCAD 2014 for Mac was available for purchase from Autodesk's Web site for
$4,195 and AutoCAD LT 2014 for Mac for $1,200, or from an Autodesk Authorized Reseller. [24] The
latest version available for Mac is AutoCAD 2019 as of December 2018. As of 2019, no AutoCAD
release is listed for purchase on the Mac App Store.

REVIT
Autodesk Revit is building information modelling software for architects, landscape architects, structural
engineers, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers, designers and contractors. The original
software was developed by Charles River Software, founded in 1997, renamed Revit Technology
Corporation in 2000, and acquired by Autodesk in 2002. The software allows users to design a building
and structure and its components in 3D, annotate the model with 2D drafting elements, and access
building information from the building model's database. Revit is 4D building information
modeling capable with tools to plan and track various stages in the building's lifecycle, from concept to
construction and later maintenance and/or demolition.

Charles River Software was founded in Newton, Massachusetts, on October 31, 1997, by Leonid Raiz
and Irwin Jungreis, key developers of PTC's Pro/Engineer software for mechanical design, with the intent
of bringing the power of parametric modeling to the building industry (PTC had previously tried and
failed to market its recently acquired Reflex software to the construction sector).[1] With funding from
venture capitalists Atlas Venture and North Bridge Venture Partners, Raiz and Jungreis hired several
software developers and architects and began developing Revit in C++ on the Microsoft Windows
platform. In 1999 they hired Dave Lemont as CEO and recruited board members Jon Hirschtick, founder
of SolidWorks, and Arol Wolford, founder of CMD Group.
From the outset, Revit was intended to allow architects and other building professionals to design and
document a building by creating a parametric three-dimensional model that included both the geometry
and non-geometric design and construction information, which is also known as Building Information
Modeling or BIM (1975 Eastman C.). At the time, several other software packages—such
as ArchiCAD and Reflex—provided a three-dimensional virtual building model, and let the user control
individual components via parameters (parametric components). Two key differences in Revit were that
users created parametric components in a graphical "family editor" rather than a programming language,
and the model captured all relationships between components, views, and annotations so that a change to
any element automatically propagated to keep the model consistent. [2] For example, moving a wall
updated neighboring walls, floors, and roofs, corrected the placement and values of dimensions and notes,
adjusted the floor areas reported in schedules, redrew section views, etc.—so that the model remained
connected and all documentation was coordinated. The concept of bi-directional associativity[3] between
components, views, and annotations was a distinguishing feature of Revit for many releases. The ease of
making changes inspired the name Revit, a contraction of Revise-Instantly. At the heart of Revit is a
parametric change propagation engine that relied on a new technology, context-driven parametrics, that
was more scalable than the variational and history-driven parametrics used in mechanical CAD software.
[4]
 The term Parametric Building Model was adopted to reflect the fact that changes to parameters drove
the whole building model and associated documentation, not just individual components.
The company was renamed Revit Technology Corporation in January 2000. Revit version 1.0 was
released on April 5, 2000. The software progressed rapidly, with version 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, 4.0, and 4.1
released in August 2000; October 2000; February 2001; June 2001; November 2001; and January 2002,
respectively.[5]
The software was initially offered only as a monthly rental, with no option to purchase. Licensing was
controlled by an entirely automatic process, an innovation at a time when human intervention and manual
transmission of authorization codes was required to buy other types of design software. [6]
Autodesk, best known for its AutoCAD line of products, purchased the Massachusetts-based Revit
Technology Corporation for US$133 million in 2002.[7] The purchase allowed more research,
development and improvement of the software. Autodesk has released several versions of Revit since
2004. In 2005 Revit Structure was introduced, then in 2006 Revit MEP. After the 2006 release Revit
Building was renamed Revit Architecture.[8]
Since Revit 2013 the different disciplines have been rolled into one product, simply called Revit.
In 2012[9] Revit LT[10] became the newest version of Revit on the market. It is a Lite version of Revit with
a number of features such as rendering and multi user environments removed. [11]
With their Revit platform, Autodesk is a significant player in the BIM market together
with Nemetschek (makers of ArchiCAD, AllPlan] and Vectorworks), and Gehry
Technologies with CATIA based Digital Project.[12]

STAAD
STAAD or (STAAD.Pro) is a structural analysis and design software application originally developed by
Research Engineers International in 1997. In late 2005, Research Engineers International was bought
by Bentley Systems.[1][2]
STAAD.Pro is one of the most widely used structural analysis and design software products worldwide. It
supports over 90 international steel, concrete, timber & aluminium design codes.
It can make use of various forms of analysis from the traditional static analysis to more recent analysis
methods like p-delta analysis, geometric non-linear analysis, Pushover analysis (Static-Non Linear
Analysis) or a buckling analysis. It can also make use of various forms of dynamic analysis methods from
time history analysis to response spectrum analysis. The response spectrum analysis feature is supported
for both user defined spectra as well as a number of international code specified spectra.
Additionally, STAAD.Pro is interoperable with applications such as RAM Connection, AutoPIPE, SACS
and many more engineering design and analysis applications to further improve collaboration between the
different disciplines involved in a project. STAAD can be used for analysis and design of all types of
structural projects from plants, buildings, and bridges to towers, tunnels, metro stations, water/wastewater
treatment plants and more.

PRIMA VERA
Primavera is an enterprise project portfolio management software. It includes project
management, scheduling, risk analysis, opportunity management, resource
management, collaboration and control capabilities, and integrates with other enterprise software such
as Oracle and SAP’s ERP systems. Primavera was launched in 1983 by Primavera Systems Inc., which
was acquired by Oracle Corporationin 2008
Products and versions
As of 2008 Primavera Systems supported long-established products - P3 and Sure-Trak - and the newer
P6 version. The long-standing P3 product in its various forms was used by 25% of the heavy construction
industry, its predominant customer base; the next most popular software was used by 11%. Nearly 40% of
general contractors with an annual revenue of $5M to $10M used Primavera P3. In comparison, the P6
version did not register in a CFMA 2008 survey of the United States construction industry. The P3
version to P6 version change is based in a move from DOS-type shortcut keys to mouse-based icons.
Thus a software application that was once very fast to use but grounded in shortcut functions (which some
users found difficult to master) moved to a mouse-based application that is quick to learn but once
mastered never achieves the same speed of use. The Primavera Project Planner DOS core launched in
1983 and the P3 Windows interface launched in 1994.
After a 27-year version life, Oracle ceased sales of the P3 and SureTrak versions on December 31, 2010.
In 2012, Primavera P6 EPPM Upgrade Release 8.2 added capabilities for governance, project-team
participation, and project visibility. Mobile PPM was introduced through Primavera’s P6 Team Member
for iPhone and Team Member Web Interface, to streamline communications between project team
members in the field and in the office. In addition, Primavera P6 Analytics Release 2.0 gained new
enterprise-reporting tools and dashboards for monitoring and analyzing performance data,
including geospatial analysis. Organizations could also investigate comparative trends and cause-and-
effect in multiple projects with Primavera Contract Management Release 14 as it included the report-
writing capabilities of Oracle Business Intelligence Publisher.
In April 2013, Oracle Corporation announced the release of version 8.4 of Primavera P6 Enterprise
Project Portfolio Management. This version incorporated material from Oracle's acquisitions of Skire and
Instantis in 2012.