CAD Schroer says its free MEDUSA4 Personal 2D/3D CAD software was downloaded 2x as often in Q1 as a year ago.
More interesting to managing director Michael Schroer is how popular the Linux version is proving with downloaders in some of the 109 countries:
- Italy -- 75% choose Linux.
- Average -- 35% choose Linux
- Germany -- 13% choose Linux.
CentOS, Fedora, Mandriva, RedHat, SuSE, and Ubuntu users get smart editing, basic 3D, parametrics, and a sheet metal design module. To download, you have to register and then provide the Physical Address of your computer's ethernet adapter. Following installation, the software runs for six months, after which the license must be renewed, for free.
The company did not provide download numbers.
The apparent enthusiasm for Linux-based Medusa CAD matches comments by Deelip Menezes about the native Linux-based Bricscad due out later this year: "[Bricsys] are excited as h**l about it. It is going to cause a stir and they know it."
I haven't managed to try MEDUSA4 yet. I looked at the flash demos, and the 2D/3D workflow seems weird. In fact you work in 2D and the system generates a 3D model that you can view in a separate window. I'm not even sure you can export the 3D model.
Posted by: Norm C. | May 07, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Well I tried to install it in Ubuntu 8.10 last night. There was some error during install and now the software won't start. I asked for help in the Community Forum, but it doesn't show much activity. I won't hold my breath on that one...
On the other hand, Google SketchUp 7 for Windows (free version) works fantastically well in Ubuntu, provided you first install the latest WINE 1.1.20. Some minor refresh glitches, but it's highly manageable.
Posted by: Norm C. | May 08, 2009 at 12:36 PM
I got an answer the next day, and was able to install the software successfully.
I played a little with it, but not yet with 3D creation. At first look, it has the nicest UI I've seen for a Linux CAD app so far. 2D drawing, annotation and dimensioning tools are really exhaustive. It might serve as a nice 2D drawing package on Linux. One big drawback is it saves only in its own proprietary format. What happens if they stop offering the free licence at some point in the future? You get stuck with a bunch of files you can't open anymore.
Posted by: Norm C. | May 20, 2009 at 01:24 AM