What are the pros & cons between Architectural Desktop (ADT)vs. Revit?
400003
Both have 3D capabilities, but 98% of people who use ADT just use it as a more convenient 2D drafting system because the 3D system is so complicated.  We just switched to Revit, using it as a 3D BIM (Building Information Modeler), and it is working out really well.  Revit can export as a dwg and links/imports dwg very well.  \n\nThough things may be initially drawn in 2D ADT faster, you will make up for it in Revit when you change things, and no longer need to cross-reference drawings to make sure they are accurate.  IMHO BIMs are the way of the future, and I have even heard rumors that Autodesk is phasing out ADT and phasing in Revit.  The Autodesk website testimonies claim offices switching to Revit increase efficiency by 70% after the initial learning curve.  In my experience this statistic is fairly accurate.\n\nRemember though, that you will always need ACAD to draw details, and working with consultants.  But I do believe Revit comes with ACAD in its package.  Another issue is that Revit does not have the massive backing, and history as ACAD, so you may be harder pressed to find special families (the Revit version of blocks)on the Internet.  You should do the 3 day training seminar to minimize the learning gap, and you will have to think more holistically about your buildings.  I think those are the only negatives.\n\nMy vote is for Revit.
257442
HOW IS THIS QUESTION RELATED TO DESKTOPS?
401778
I used the program "3D Home Architect" when I was doing the planning on my first home.  After I had something I liked, I took it to a home architect, and let her redesign what I had so it was structurally sound and the plumbing wouldn't be strewn all over.  After some minor modifications, and a review by a contractor, I had everything I needed\n\nAnd by "pre-building" it in the computer, I was able to do a virtual walkthru and see what it would look like when it was finished and there wouldn't be any surprises.\n\nHope this helps.
725567
I recomend to use what u know better from those 2 PL but for very large applications C++ is stronger.\nBut looking at today's hardware configuration for business applications you can use either C++ or Basic the diference in performance is insignificant, and Basic it's more easy and faster to accomodate with if you don't master the PL yet.
145319
Both programs below are free and very good.  Link one would be compared to photoshop.. link 2 would compare to illustrator(vector program).
674563
AutoCad is the best, but it is very hard to use if you are beginners\nTry this free architectural software, DesignWorkshop Lite, it is easier and have 2D and 3D drawing options, works on win 98 or later win os, slower pc probably can use that too.\nhttp://www.artifice.com/free/dw_lite.html
379912
I use both and have used Firefox since its beta versions. Frankly I think Opera is faster, but I mainly use Firefox because of the number of extensions and themes that are available.
799961
google's sketchup.  It's free and easy to use!
1027794
> A description of the difference between the two and which will give you new features as opposed to enhancing the functionality of your software.\n\n> Resolution \nAlmost every version of our software has free updates than can be downloaded from our website. These updates are not full versions of the software, but are applied as a patch over software, which is already installed on your system. Updates do not add additional features, but do contain drivers to support newer CD writers, as well as some fixes to specific issues. If you are having trouble getting our software to recognize your CD writer, updating to the most current revision may solve the issue. \n\nUpgrading your software would be moving from a lower version to a higher version and is available to registered users only (to register your software, click here). For Example, moving from Easy CD Creator 5 to Easy Media Creator 8. Within each version, you can update to a higher revision (for example 5.0, 5.02, 5.1) to add additional driver support. Upgrading your software is how you can add additional features. This can only be done by purchasing the newer version. Click here to upgrade your software and get sales and product information. \n========================================
384084
i'll go for Mambo. it is highly recommended and used by several SME's. also there's a good community developers that support it. plus, a lot of templates are existing in the internet.
296611
well i work on Autocad-2000 but i think that dsnt run on windows 2000. u better opt a high version of auto cad wich is easily available and other option u might appraoch is to purchase the AUTO-SUITE.. there comes R-14 and softdesk...it migh be helpful
821571
well Max  is a very good software and it has lot of tools to help u do ur architectural work.\n- starting from importing 2d DWG files then extruding these lines to get walls but don't forget to setup ur units first in both acad and max ( i won't tell every detail of course this would take pages and hours to tell so u have to do some search in the help files on your CD if u didn't already set it up on your hard drive)\n- you can open windows and doors using booleen \n- or you can draw from scratch in max using lines and rectangles ect. then extrude it OR draw elevations for every wall specially when it has windows and doors if not u can use boxes and cylnders for columns and maybe tubes for arcs walls.\n- my own very best way for closed walls is drawing a single line for the wall then insted of making an offset to give it thikness i'd extrude the height then apply Shell modifier to make the thikness.\n- so Think like u are using cad but with different tools use lot of  Help search and you'll find all that u need.\n- for materials and maping, as a start try to use materials from the library till u get to edit your own material. and for the texture size ( starting from max 7.5 ) you have an option in the material editor in the bitmap "use real world units" this will make the texture file u r using fit in the units you specify.say like a tile 50 x 50 ( and again make sure u and ur whole team you all use the same appropriate system units ) so u can exchange objects and scenes easily.\n- lights ? u can find lot of tutorials for lights and materials too on the net start searching at http://www.3dvalley.com or http://www.3dtotal.com\n- furniture !! buy models :o)\ngood luck
757431
As the other two answers say, stardock/wincustomize.\nI just wanted to add that the programs for this, i.e. windowblinds or object desktop are very reasonably priced for what you get!  It is well worth it to support this company.\n\nWindow blinds is $20\nObject desktop (includes windowblinds and lots of other cool programs) is $50.  and you get unlimited downloads for two years and upgrades to the programs for a year.\n\nIncredibly Awesome!
340531
I recommend using POV-Ray to practice with, as it is easy to learn and of commercial quality, but is provided free. Since the rendering is done independently of the design work, your computer's power will not interfere with design progress.\nMany accessory programs are available that read/write pov format files, including modellers and animation programs.
295535
Cad can do either 2d or 3d, it depends on the software.\n\nSome of the programs are faily cheap( about $100 ) and quite good. I have been using various versions of TurboCad for about 12 years. I created all of the drawing for our house with it and continue to use it to design furniture.
747682
SOLIDWORKS by a long shot.\nI have used both. I also use Autodesk Inventor.\nInventor is almost exactly the same as Solidworks. If you can use one, then you can use the other.\nI prefer Solidworks. Autodesk mechanical is old technology. You will create designs many times faster with Solidworks.
738471
I woudn't say that either program is easier or harder than the other. They both offer different things. AutoCAD is more for making Construction Documents with high levels of precision. 3DSMax is more for renderings and design.