I run Mint Linux on most of my computers, and so I was pretty interested in Linux versions of ARES and Bricscad. I haven't gotten ahold of the big B but Graebert sent me a link to download the Linux and Mac versions of ARES, both of which are in beta right now.
Linux faces two problems in getting mainstream acceptance: equivalent software that people are used to from Windows. (Non-WINE version of Picasa for Linux, where are you?) And easy installation.
Some OS vendors -- like Mint, Ubuntu, JoliCloud -- have nearly taken care of the problem by creating one-click utilities that download and install software. I say "nearly," because their software libraries may boast 800 or 30,000 applications, but inevitably miss out the ones I want.
When a particular piece of software is not in a one-click repository, then installation can be pure heck, involving Ctrl+T, sudo, libraries, and often failure. I know that the people at Bricsys had been very concerned that Bricscad be easy to install; I dunno if they've solved the problem, although I found that Graebert has.
After downloading ARES for Linux, I installed it on my netbook like this:
1. Double-click the download file.
2. Follow the instructions of the Windows-like installer dialog box.
3. Done!
So, a big relief on the installation front. The same will apply to Dassault's DraftSight when it ships for Linux this fall.
As for ARES running on Linux, it is pretty much identical to ARES on Windows. There's a few things that just ain't gonna work, like OLE (via the InsertObject command), but who uses OLE anyhow?
(I've ordered a MacBook on which to test CAD software for OS X. My arts daughter is thrilled.)
Linux faces two problems in getting mainstream acceptance: equivalent software that people are used to from Windows. (Non-WINE version of Picasa for Linux, where are you?) And easy installation.
Some OS vendors -- like Mint, Ubuntu, JoliCloud -- have nearly taken care of the problem by creating one-click utilities that download and install software. I say "nearly," because their software libraries may boast 800 or 30,000 applications, but inevitably miss out the ones I want.
When a particular piece of software is not in a one-click repository, then installation can be pure heck, involving Ctrl+T, sudo, libraries, and often failure. I know that the people at Bricsys had been very concerned that Bricscad be easy to install; I dunno if they've solved the problem, although I found that Graebert has.
After downloading ARES for Linux, I installed it on my netbook like this:
1. Double-click the download file.
2. Follow the instructions of the Windows-like installer dialog box.
3. Done!
So, a big relief on the installation front. The same will apply to Dassault's DraftSight when it ships for Linux this fall.
As for ARES running on Linux, it is pretty much identical to ARES on Windows. There's a few things that just ain't gonna work, like OLE (via the InsertObject command), but who uses OLE anyhow?
(I've ordered a MacBook on which to test CAD software for OS X. My arts daughter is thrilled.)
I noticed this when I tried the first ARES beta back in March. Took a boatload of screen captures while installing, planning to post them on my blog, then read the EULA. Bummer.
Graebert has taken the "Windows installer" route, I guess so people coming from the Windows world would feel at home. (having install instructions identical between platforms makes sense too I guess)
Bricsys chose the Linux way. They offer .deb packages for Debian/Ubuntu, and .rpm packages for Fedora/openSUSE. I don't know about .rpm, but .deb packages are as easy (if not easier) to install as Windows installers. After you launch the package by double-clicking it, it requires your password, then no more is needed, no sequence of dialog boxes you have to go through, it simply installs.
Posted by: Norm C. | Jul 19, 2010 at 10:58 AM