PRODESIGNII: The Easy to Use CAD System
, by Robert Webster, 1985, American Small Business Cornputers, 118 South Mili Street, Pryor, OK 74361.
PRODESIGN is a computer-aided de-sígn (CAD) system which consists of a set of computer programs used to créate, modify, save, retríeve and produce final copies of technical drawings. The com-puter's graphics display is used as an electronic drafting board on which de-tailed line renderings are assembled. Previously defined shapes and symbols can be combined with primitive drawing elements (ares, vectors, circles, etc.) to form complex layouts by using the pro-gram's interactive commands. The com-pleted drawing can be saved to disk for use later, and can be sent to a printer or plotter for a hard copy. CAD systems are generally produced for use by engineers, architeets, and draftspersons to produce orthogonal views of designa. Such systems are also potentially useful in the design and production of maps.
PRODESIGN is a new product which runs on IBM PC/XT, AT and compatible micro cornputers. The programs require a mínimum of 512 kilobytes of RAM (random access memory), and graphics capability. The system carries a list price of $299.95 and is supplíed on two standard PCDOS diskettes, which are not copy-protected. The package also in-eludes a 117 page User's Manual in a plástic, three-ring binder, a command-menu témplate for a digítizer, and a Quick Reference card. The manual con-tains installation instructions, a de-scription of system commands, a brief tutorial, and six appendices on technical information concerning internal file structures. The programs support a wide range of graphical input and out-put devices. The system was tested
using an IBM PC-AT with 512K RAM, a color graphics adapter and monitor, "mice" from Microsoft (Bus Versión) and Mouse Systems (Serial), an IBM Graphics Printer, a Summagraphics BITPAD One graphics tablet, and a Hewlett-Packard HP7470A two-pen plotter.
Installing PRODESIGN is simple and straightforward. Instructions on how to make a backup copy of the software are provided and step-by-step installation procedures are given for both floppy-disk (PC) and hard-disk (XT/AT) models. While the instructions are rea-sonably complete for hard-disk users, the manual omits several key points im-portant for those using cornputers with only floppy disks. The instructions make no mention of the fact that the DOS system files need to be copied to the program disk—otherwise the computer must be started with a DOS disk and the disk changed to run the program. In fact, the instructions tell the user to use the DOS "DISKCOPY" program to make a backup of the system, replace the DOS disk in the left-hand (A) drive, and run the installation program. Regrettably, if you follow these instructions, the program will not run because the proper disk is not in the drive. This would not be a problem for an experienced user, or for those with a fíxed disk system {which already has the operating system installed), but it would be especially frustrating for a novice—getting an error message aiter following directions exactly.
Another important detail omitted in the documentation is that the programs require 512K of RAM. If less than this amount of memory is present (and avail-able), the user is presented with the message "Not Enough Memory .. ." without further explanation. In fairness to the developers, their advertisements in the trade magazines do mention this
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