Need better CAD

Thanks, guys.

I do have an older computer in the basement near my workshop.  I booted it up yesterday and Autosketch still runs.  It is far from my den (2nd floor), where all my reference material is.  But I am having so much problems with TurboCAD I think maybe using that old computer may be my best way out of the problem.  Now I have to learn how to print spool :-)

2 options suggest themselves:

MS do a Virtualised version of XP that doesn't need VM ware installed:

Should be here: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=8002

You need a 500MB + free & make sure your targe pc meets the Min requirements especially the OS version, & more RAM is better!

I've used this to run 2 Canon model 20 & 25 USB TWAIN scanners that would not work with Win7 enterprise.

Clunky with data transfers, but it does work.

In the end I got my 74yo dad a Win8 certified Canon printer/scanner box, as the 'pfaff with the VM XP + scanner was beyond him,

And I got a win7/8 certified Canon 35 (or 55 can't remember) NOT-TWAIN USB scanner as it was 3 times faster than the model 20 & 25!

2nd option: Dassult Systemes (who also do Solidworks) have a free version of Draftsight here:

http://www.3ds.com/products-services/draftsight-cad-software/free-download/

Caveats: Draftsight was recommended to me by a pro AutoCAD-er as very AutoCAD like, I've downloaded it, but NOT Installed it yet.

I also got Sketchup PRO, AutoCAD 2016, RHINO & Solidworks at work (I'm a IT Tech for a University) but am only paddling in the shallow end with these, lol.

I'm told AutoCAD have a student/free edn of AutoCAD, but this may depend on having a validated student/educational email, so you may have to sign up to Adult Ed, or why not as an educator?

Cheap CAD? isn't that an oxymoron?

I've been working CAD for many years and the prices are getting absurd, especially since going to subscriptions.  TurboCAD Pro will do your job , but for another couple hundred bucks!  Personally Don, I would think about using one of your old computers to install XP, load Autosketch, and have a dedicated workstation for your drafting. Otherwise, you may check out the link below.  It's rather long, but the participants were able to successfully create a "virtual PC" section on their hard-drive that runs Autosketch 2.1.  In either case, good luck with the PT-22.

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_programs/how-to-install-autosketch-21-under-win-7-xp-mode/de8cbaba-cc66-e011-8dfc-68b599b31bf5?db=5

Jack

I recommend Autodesk Fusion 360. It's free and has all the features you're looking for and more. It's a complicated beast but a few hours on youtube and you'll be ok.