On 16/01/2011 15:35, Olin Lathrop wrote: > > Also EE software is one of the few things I run that is still limited by = my > computing hardware. The autorouter can take many minutes per pass, and > that's when it's using up 100% of my local CPU running (presumably) well > optimized compiled code. That's definitely not the kind of thing you wan= t > running in a interpreter, like Java. Or if you think it should run on a > cloud somewhere, that cloud needs to have some very serious processors, > which means money, which means they would have to charge real money for t= he > use. It just doesn't add up. In fact even Google Docs or WYSIWYG javascript Web2.0 entry is SICK=20 compared to local Open Office, MS Office or whatever. I have 8Mbps BB with 28ms latency. I find Web based/Cloud SW PAINFUL=20 compared to local applications on brand new Win7 or Ubuntu Desktop or 9=20 year old laptop. The closest thing to a CAD schematic capture Iv'e used on line was web=20 Visio look alike. VERY much like mouse was on rubber bands wading in=20 treacle. My best DOS schematic capture experience was "FutureNet". Used it about=20 3 years. (just schematics, other packages for lay out via netlist and BOM) I used Number One Systems Easy PCB on DOS for layout & capture for some=20 major 220x160mm boards and projects, about 2 years. Pretty poor, but my=20 boards where all 100% correct and all worked 100%. I've used Orcad, Autotrax /EDA, Kicad and others. Been using Eagle for about 5 years. You need to double check any 3rd=20 party libraries. It's improved a lot. I'd not switch to kicad. I was offered one of the Really BIG packages (does chip layout too) by a=20 Client. But what arrived was a pirate copy with files and instructions=20 to beat the dongle! Unless any CAD package is about as limited as Visio, it will take some=20 effort. There are compromises. I've used and supported Autocad. But I use=20 Turbocad for all my mechanical as it's much cheaper and "good enough"=20 plus easier to use as it's windows from scratch and can to a reasonable=20 degree import/Export Autocad files. I've used Photoshop. But have bought a copy of Paint Shop Pro (v7?) ages=20 ago and use it. The "free" Gimp is much more awkward. Maybe it can do as=20 much, but life is too short. To use ANY CAD program when you are already an expert in the field and=20 know what you ought to be about to do is maybe a week of total=20 immersion. If you are inexperienced in that field then a month to a=20 year many be needed to be expert because you don't really know how how=20 to do it. Similar with Programming. A newcomer needs 2 to 5 years to be=20 an expert Programmer. But a good programmer can learn a new language in=20 a few days, but the libraries can take a week to several months to=20 figure out. --=20 http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist .