After suggestions on this list, I decided to test out KiCAD  I am not 
finished checking it out, but this is my first report on it.

Well, Saturday I played with it a couple of hours.  I found a few things 
were not obvious, but the mini tutorial got me going.  I was surprised 
that the default for taking the netlist into PCB had warnings turned 
off.  For that reason, my little test circuit had a lot of no-connects 
that was not right.  I spent most of my time trying to figure out what 
did not happen.  Finally I discovered that the schematic 7805 part was 
using pin names, and the PCB decal I was using had pin numbers.  At this 
time, I have not resolved that (I wanted to do other things on a 
Saturday as well)
Other things I noticed, on a TO-220 Package, they label pin 1 opposite 
of what I think it should be.
I am impressed with the 3D viewing of the PCB.
I want to try and make some lib parts, but have not done that yet.  I 
want to create the 3D features as well.
One annoying thing I found so far, I could not determine what library a 
part is from once you bring it into your schematic.
Selecting things is not intuitive.  I need to play more and follow the 
tutorials more.
I did get the auto-router to route about 5 nets for me.
I have not touched the Gerber output or viewer yet.
I think the auto-router is limited to 2 layers, and the PCB is limited 
to 16 layers.
An alternative auto-router is available, web-based through the 
software.  I have not tried that yet.

At this time, I think this could be a viable tool for a hobbies or low 
volume designers like me.  The 3D features would give some added value 
for presenting designs to my customers without looking like I am using a 
low cost or free software.  For anyone on the front edge of 
technologies, or working every day on PCBs, this is not the right tool.
One thing to note, it never crashed.
Well, I know the real test is to make a PCB using it.. I don't have a 
project at this time, but I guess I could design that blinking thing I 
been wanting to invent for 10 years now..   Spare time, were have you 
gone!!!

Merry Christmas
Giles Honeycutt
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