Make them run better, faster, more effecient

One of the things that I have recently done to help my department is update their computers.
If you have the latest and greatest updates to your software and hardware you will have less problems and therefore a happier user.

There are a couple of things you can do to help their equipment work better for them.

1) Get the hotfixes that will take care of some of their everyday issues. Be sure that you back up everything before replacing/changing anything. Also, don't do a bunch at one time or on everyone's computers. Start with a test computer or two and see how their stuff runs for a week or so, then implement it to the rest of the department. Be sure to get the free Object Enablers if you are working in ACAD or ADT and want to see ABS objects correctly! Here are some links to the hotfixes we have used:
For ABS 2007: (Scroll down to Autodesk® Building Systems 2007)
Hotfixes: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/index?siteID=123112&id=2334435&linkID=9240938

Object Enablers/etc: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/index?siteID=123112&id=2334440&linkID=9240938


For ADT 2007: (Scroll down to Autodesk® Architectural Desktop 2007)
Hotfixes: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/index?siteID=123112&id=2334435&linkID=9240658

Object Enablers/etc: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/index?siteID=123112&id=2334440&linkID=9240658

For Civil 3D:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/index?siteID=123112&id=2334435&linkID=9240698
and http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/index?siteID=123112&id=2334440&linkID=9240698

For LandDesktop:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/index?siteID=123112&id=2334435&linkID=9240778
and http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/index?siteID=123112&id=2334440&linkID=9240778

2) Update their video drivers. This is a graphic intensive program, lots of video card drivers are getting continual updates to function better with upgraded software.

3) Clean their computers. Remove all the .tmp, .bak, .ac$, .sv$, and internet cookies. Defrag....I know there are several schools of thought on this, but I am a huge proponent of doing a disc defrag atleast once a month, if not once a week. Also the disc clean up is a good thing to run as well. There are many freeware programs out there that you can use to help clean up computers. Don't forget to empty that recycle bin...what good does it do to delete it if you don't actually empty out the trash?

4) Investigate freeware tune up utilities that are out there. I have worked with one of our IT guys to find out what are the best programs to use and what our company wants used.

Hope to drop in more tips soon!

Dusting off the cobwebs...

Hi! After a long awaited time, I have been able to get back into my account here.

Just as an update...The company I work for has decided to stay with ABS 2007 for the time being. The respective cad dept reps and myself have been investigating the pro's and con's of making the switch to MEP 2009. It sounds like that will stay on the back burner until atleast the first service pack is issued. At this time we are all still muddling our way through the 07 product and making the switch to the 09 is probably not in our best interest at the moment. (After all it did take them 9yrs to switch from R14 to 07).

Needless to say, my posts will continue to be about ABS07. The nice thing about this is that even in the newer version of MEP alot of these steps and processes are still valid. Also, I am sure there are still those of you out there still working on 07.

Thank you for hanging with me during the "radio silence".

Continuing challenges

Greetings blog readers!
I apologize for my absense.
Things as everyone knows are ever evolving.

Currently we debate the best metods to utilize for our company and for our future.

BIM...hmmm.... :)

We'll see what happens!

Growing pains...

Greetings bloggers...

Our company is still under-going the growing pains of an internet monitoring system.

I have unfortunately been unable to post. I hope to round up excellent information to post soon.

So sorry for the delay.

I did get to attend AU this year. It was the first time for me. It was amazing!!! I got to meet so many people and "celebrates" in the Autodesk, ACAD, ABS, ADT, Revit, etc worlds.

If Lynn Allen ever checks out this blog: "Hi! Your class on tips and tricks for Acad was amazing. I feel very privileged for having gotten to meet you."

Unfortunately, this is all I have time to post right now.

I hope everyone has a happy holiday season!!