Discussion: View Thread

We'll start with the questions, followed by the verbose narrative behind them:

1. What free or open-source software do you use? And why? (Particularly looking for CADD options)
2. If you use proprietary software, have you tried free/open-source alternatives? What were your impressions?
3. If you have found no suitable free/open-source software alternatives to proprietary programs/platforms, which "camp" or "tribe" do you prefer for your needs, and why? (AutoCAD Civil 3D vs. Microstation vs. Carlson Civil vs. SketchUp, for example.)

There are often discussions or debates about which software programs are better for certain purposes or functions. For example, AutoCAD Civil 3D vs Microstation, or PCSWMM vs. HEC-GeoRAS, or TR-55 vs. HEC-HMS, or… you get the idea. Largely, these comparisons are between software programs that are within the same general category, 'paid, proprietary' or 'free, publicly available'. I'm interested in getting some discussion going about free or very cheap, preferably open-source software.

There are many reasons why someone might want open-source software as opposed to proprietary software, including but not limited to:

• Cost
  • Open-source is free, and developers are compensated largely on donations.
• Security
  • Open-source means you get to see the code, so there's no "funny business" behind the curtain threatening data collection, odd computer resource usage, etc.
• Customization
  • It is possible to use the source code to build your own software or user interface, or to build add-ons and custom scripts to make it your own.
• Community
  • There is often a large community of users to help you by sharing their experiences and troubleshooting/problem resolutions.
• Compatibility/Accessibility
  • No two software programs that claim compatibility are 100% compatible, but at least if you give a client a deliverable (let's say CAD file) in a format usable/readable by free/open-source software, they won't need to pay big money or find a kind friend to help them open/use it.

I have had a personal fascination with open-source software for the above reasons, largely the first. I'm starting my own business now, and while I would happily continue using AutoCAD Civil 3D and the associated Autodesk programs, the cost ($2,000-2,700/year) is a major overhead expense for a new business with unknown workload and income. This is also just one of many software programs/platforms I'm likely to need. Free alternatives are often barely classifiable as "alternatives" since they don't perform near the same range of functions.

Anecdote: I had an older MacBook I needed to "refresh" with a format and reinstall. I decided to switch it to a Linux operating system and go open-source with all the software. After the initial installation, all seemed great. Day 2, I had trouble with a basic website because the web browser didn't have whatever it needed to play some basic video. Unlike the mainstream operating systems, it wasn't as simple as "click to install." As I started to research the steps necessary to get my most basic web-browsing to work, I quickly realized I needed more "free" time or computer knowledge than I had. I asked a knowledgeable friend, and he told me a friend once told him "Linux is free, as long as your time is worthless." I reformatted and installed the Mac OS again.

We'll start with the questions, followed by the verbose narrative behind them:

1. What free or open-source software do you use? And why? (Particularly looking for CADD options)
2. If you use proprietary software, have you tried free/open-source alternatives? What were your impressions?
3. If you have found no suitable free/open-source software alternatives to proprietary programs/platforms, which "camp" or "tribe" do you prefer for your needs, and why? (AutoCAD Civil 3D vs. Microstation vs. Carlson Civil vs. SketchUp, for example.)

There are often discussions or debates about which software programs are better for certain purposes or functions. For example, AutoCAD Civil 3D vs Microstation, or PCSWMM vs. HEC-GeoRAS, or TR-55 vs. HEC-HMS, or… you get the idea. Largely, these comparisons are between software programs that are within the same general category, 'paid, proprietary' or 'free, publicly available'. I'm interested in getting some discussion going about free or very cheap, preferably open-source software.

There are many reasons why someone might want open-source software as opposed to proprietary software, including but not limited to:

• Cost
  • Open-source is free, and developers are compensated largely on donations.
• Security
  • Open-source means you get to see the code, so there's no "funny business" behind the curtain threatening data collection, odd computer resource usage, etc.
• Customization
  • It is possible to use the source code to build your own software or user interface, or to build add-ons and custom scripts to make it your own.
• Community
  • There is often a large community of users to help you by sharing their experiences and troubleshooting/problem resolutions.
• Compatibility/Accessibility
  • No two software programs that claim compatibility are 100% compatible, but at least if you give a client a deliverable (let's say CAD file) in a format usable/readable by free/open-source software, they won't need to pay big money or find a kind friend to help them open/use it.

I have had a personal fascination with open-source software for the above reasons, largely the first. I'm starting my own business now, and while I would happily continue using AutoCAD Civil 3D and the associated Autodesk programs, the cost ($2,000-2,700/year) is a major overhead expense for a new business with unknown workload and income. This is also just one of many software programs/platforms I'm likely to need. Free alternatives are often barely classifiable as "alternatives" since they don't perform near the same range of functions.

Anecdote: I had an older MacBook I needed to "refresh" with a format and reinstall. I decided to switch it to a Linux operating system and go open-source with all the software. After the initial installation, all seemed great. Day 2, I had trouble with a basic website because the web browser didn't have whatever it needed to play some basic video. Unlike the mainstream operating systems, it wasn't as simple as "click to install." As I started to research the steps necessary to get my most basic web-browsing to work, I quickly realized I needed more "free" time or computer knowledge than I had. I asked a knowledgeable friend, and he told me a friend once told him "Linux is free, as long as your time is worthless." I reformatted and installed the Mac OS again.

We'll start with the questions, followed by the verbose narrative behind them:

1. What free or open-source software do you use? And why? (Particularly looking for CADD options)
2. If you use proprietary software, have you tried free/open-source alternatives? What were your impressions?
3. If you have found no suitable free/open-source software alternatives to proprietary programs/platforms, which "camp" or "tribe" do you prefer for your needs, and why? (AutoCAD Civil 3D vs. Microstation vs. Carlson Civil vs. SketchUp, for example.)

There are often discussions or debates about which software programs are better for certain purposes or functions. For example, AutoCAD Civil 3D vs Microstation, or PCSWMM vs. HEC-GeoRAS, or TR-55 vs. HEC-HMS, or… you get the idea. Largely, these comparisons are between software programs that are within the same general category, 'paid, proprietary' or 'free, publicly available'. I'm interested in getting some discussion going about free or very cheap, preferably open-source software.

There are many reasons why someone might want open-source software as opposed to proprietary software, including but not limited to:

• Cost
  • Open-source is free, and developers are compensated largely on donations.
• Security
  • Open-source means you get to see the code, so there's no "funny business" behind the curtain threatening data collection, odd computer resource usage, etc.
• Customization
  • It is possible to use the source code to build your own software or user interface, or to build add-ons and custom scripts to make it your own.
• Community
  • There is often a large community of users to help you by sharing their experiences and troubleshooting/problem resolutions.
• Compatibility/Accessibility
  • No two software programs that claim compatibility are 100% compatible, but at least if you give a client a deliverable (let's say CAD file) in a format usable/readable by free/open-source software, they won't need to pay big money or find a kind friend to help them open/use it.

I have had a personal fascination with open-source software for the above reasons, largely the first. I'm starting my own business now, and while I would happily continue using AutoCAD Civil 3D and the associated Autodesk programs, the cost ($2,000-2,700/year) is a major overhead expense for a new business with unknown workload and income. This is also just one of many software programs/platforms I'm likely to need. Free alternatives are often barely classifiable as "alternatives" since they don't perform near the same range of functions.

Anecdote: I had an older MacBook I needed to "refresh" with a format and reinstall. I decided to switch it to a Linux operating system and go open-source with all the software. After the initial installation, all seemed great. Day 2, I had trouble with a basic website because the web browser didn't have whatever it needed to play some basic video. Unlike the mainstream operating systems, it wasn't as simple as "click to install." As I started to research the steps necessary to get my most basic web-browsing to work, I quickly realized I needed more "free" time or computer knowledge than I had. I asked a knowledgeable friend, and he told me a friend once told him "Linux is free, as long as your time is worthless." I reformatted and installed the Mac OS again.

We'll start with the questions, followed by the verbose narrative behind them:

1. What free or open-source software do you use? And why? (Particularly looking for CADD options)
2. If you use proprietary software, have you tried free/open-source alternatives? What were your impressions?
3. If you have found no suitable free/open-source software alternatives to proprietary programs/platforms, which "camp" or "tribe" do you prefer for your needs, and why? (AutoCAD Civil 3D vs. Microstation vs. Carlson Civil vs. SketchUp, for example.)

There are often discussions or debates about which software programs are better for certain purposes or functions. For example, AutoCAD Civil 3D vs Microstation, or PCSWMM vs. HEC-GeoRAS, or TR-55 vs. HEC-HMS, or… you get the idea. Largely, these comparisons are between software programs that are within the same general category, 'paid, proprietary' or 'free, publicly available'. I'm interested in getting some discussion going about free or very cheap, preferably open-source software.

There are many reasons why someone might want open-source software as opposed to proprietary software, including but not limited to:

• Cost
  • Open-source is free, and developers are compensated largely on donations.
• Security
  • Open-source means you get to see the code, so there's no "funny business" behind the curtain threatening data collection, odd computer resource usage, etc.
• Customization
  • It is possible to use the source code to build your own software or user interface, or to build add-ons and custom scripts to make it your own.
• Community
  • There is often a large community of users to help you by sharing their experiences and troubleshooting/problem resolutions.
• Compatibility/Accessibility
  • No two software programs that claim compatibility are 100% compatible, but at least if you give a client a deliverable (let's say CAD file) in a format usable/readable by free/open-source software, they won't need to pay big money or find a kind friend to help them open/use it.

I have had a personal fascination with open-source software for the above reasons, largely the first. I'm starting my own business now, and while I would happily continue using AutoCAD Civil 3D and the associated Autodesk programs, the cost ($2,000-2,700/year) is a major overhead expense for a new business with unknown workload and income. This is also just one of many software programs/platforms I'm likely to need. Free alternatives are often barely classifiable as "alternatives" since they don't perform near the same range of functions.

Anecdote: I had an older MacBook I needed to "refresh" with a format and reinstall. I decided to switch it to a Linux operating system and go open-source with all the software. After the initial installation, all seemed great. Day 2, I had trouble with a basic website because the web browser didn't have whatever it needed to play some basic video. Unlike the mainstream operating systems, it wasn't as simple as "click to install." As I started to research the steps necessary to get my most basic web-browsing to work, I quickly realized I needed more "free" time or computer knowledge than I had. I asked a knowledgeable friend, and he told me a friend once told him "Linux is free, as long as your time is worthless." I reformatted and installed the Mac OS again.

We'll start with the questions, followed by the verbose narrative behind them:

1. What free or open-source software do you use? And why? (Particularly looking for CADD options)
2. If you use proprietary software, have you tried free/open-source alternatives? What were your impressions?
3. If you have found no suitable free/open-source software alternatives to proprietary programs/platforms, which "camp" or "tribe" do you prefer for your needs, and why? (AutoCAD Civil 3D vs. Microstation vs. Carlson Civil vs. SketchUp, for example.)

There are often discussions or debates about which software programs are better for certain purposes or functions. For example, AutoCAD Civil 3D vs Microstation, or PCSWMM vs. HEC-GeoRAS, or TR-55 vs. HEC-HMS, or… you get the idea. Largely, these comparisons are between software programs that are within the same general category, 'paid, proprietary' or 'free, publicly available'. I'm interested in getting some discussion going about free or very cheap, preferably open-source software.

There are many reasons why someone might want open-source software as opposed to proprietary software, including but not limited to:

• Cost
  • Open-source is free, and developers are compensated largely on donations.
• Security
  • Open-source means you get to see the code, so there's no "funny business" behind the curtain threatening data collection, odd computer resource usage, etc.
• Customization
  • It is possible to use the source code to build your own software or user interface, or to build add-ons and custom scripts to make it your own.
• Community
  • There is often a large community of users to help you by sharing their experiences and troubleshooting/problem resolutions.
• Compatibility/Accessibility
  • No two software programs that claim compatibility are 100% compatible, but at least if you give a client a deliverable (let's say CAD file) in a format usable/readable by free/open-source software, they won't need to pay big money or find a kind friend to help them open/use it.

I have had a personal fascination with open-source software for the above reasons, largely the first. I'm starting my own business now, and while I would happily continue using AutoCAD Civil 3D and the associated Autodesk programs, the cost ($2,000-2,700/year) is a major overhead expense for a new business with unknown workload and income. This is also just one of many software programs/platforms I'm likely to need. Free alternatives are often barely classifiable as "alternatives" since they don't perform near the same range of functions.

Anecdote: I had an older MacBook I needed to "refresh" with a format and reinstall. I decided to switch it to a Linux operating system and go open-source with all the software. After the initial installation, all seemed great. Day 2, I had trouble with a basic website because the web browser didn't have whatever it needed to play some basic video. Unlike the mainstream operating systems, it wasn't as simple as "click to install." As I started to research the steps necessary to get my most basic web-browsing to work, I quickly realized I needed more "free" time or computer knowledge than I had. I asked a knowledgeable friend, and he told me a friend once told him "Linux is free, as long as your time is worthless." I reformatted and installed the Mac OS again.

I like DesignCAD 3D Max  $150 one-time (2D version is $60) which reads and writes Autocad files.  It started life as a DOS program so it's been around for a while.  Has quite a different interface and design approach, but in a couple of days you get used to it.  I run it on my Mac Pro under Parallels but it needs a lot of resources for decent performance (as does Acad). The 2D version is probably better in this regard.   Here's a link to some native Mac drafting programs but I have no experience with them them.

Regards / Derm

------------------------------
James Wood M.ASCE
Dermod Wood Assoc. LLC
Pittstown NJ

Original Message:
Sent: 01-18-2021 10:08 AM
From: Ari Daniels
Subject: Software Options/Alternatives – focus on open-source

We'll start with the questions, followed by the verbose narrative behind them:

1. What free or open-source software do you use? And why? (Particularly looking for CADD options)
2. If you use proprietary software, have you tried free/open-source alternatives? What were your impressions?
3. If you have found no suitable free/open-source software alternatives to proprietary programs/platforms, which "camp" or "tribe" do you prefer for your needs, and why? (AutoCAD Civil 3D vs. Microstation vs. Carlson Civil vs. SketchUp, for example.)

There are often discussions or debates about which software programs are better for certain purposes or functions. For example, AutoCAD Civil 3D vs Microstation, or PCSWMM vs. HEC-GeoRAS, or TR-55 vs. HEC-HMS, or… you get the idea. Largely, these comparisons are between software programs that are within the same general category, 'paid, proprietary' or 'free, publicly available'. I'm interested in getting some discussion going about free or very cheap, preferably open-source software.

There are many reasons why someone might want open-source software as opposed to proprietary software, including but not limited to:

• Cost
  • Open-source is free, and developers are compensated largely on donations.
• Security
  • Open-source means you get to see the code, so there's no "funny business" behind the curtain threatening data collection, odd computer resource usage, etc.
• Customization
  • It is possible to use the source code to build your own software or user interface, or to build add-ons and custom scripts to make it your own.
• Community
  • There is often a large community of users to help you by sharing their experiences and troubleshooting/problem resolutions.
• Compatibility/Accessibility
  • No two software programs that claim compatibility are 100% compatible, but at least if you give a client a deliverable (let's say CAD file) in a format usable/readable by free/open-source software, they won't need to pay big money or find a kind friend to help them open/use it.

I have had a personal fascination with open-source software for the above reasons, largely the first. I'm starting my own business now, and while I would happily continue using AutoCAD Civil 3D and the associated Autodesk programs, the cost ($2,000-2,700/year) is a major overhead expense for a new business with unknown workload and income. This is also just one of many software programs/platforms I'm likely to need. Free alternatives are often barely classifiable as "alternatives" since they don't perform near the same range of functions.

Anecdote: I had an older MacBook I needed to "refresh" with a format and reinstall. I decided to switch it to a Linux operating system and go open-source with all the software. After the initial installation, all seemed great. Day 2, I had trouble with a basic website because the web browser didn't have whatever it needed to play some basic video. Unlike the mainstream operating systems, it wasn't as simple as "click to install." As I started to research the steps necessary to get my most basic web-browsing to work, I quickly realized I needed more "free" time or computer knowledge than I had. I asked a knowledgeable friend, and he told me a friend once told him "Linux is free, as long as your time is worthless." I reformatted and installed the Mac OS again.

We'll start with the questions, followed by the verbose narrative behind them:

1. What free or open-source software do you use? And why? (Particularly looking for CADD options)
2. If you use proprietary software, have you tried free/open-source alternatives? What were your impressions?
3. If you have found no suitable free/open-source software alternatives to proprietary programs/platforms, which "camp" or "tribe" do you prefer for your needs, and why? (AutoCAD Civil 3D vs. Microstation vs. Carlson Civil vs. SketchUp, for example.)

There are often discussions or debates about which software programs are better for certain purposes or functions. For example, AutoCAD Civil 3D vs Microstation, or PCSWMM vs. HEC-GeoRAS, or TR-55 vs. HEC-HMS, or… you get the idea. Largely, these comparisons are between software programs that are within the same general category, 'paid, proprietary' or 'free, publicly available'. I'm interested in getting some discussion going about free or very cheap, preferably open-source software.

There are many reasons why someone might want open-source software as opposed to proprietary software, including but not limited to:

• Cost
  • Open-source is free, and developers are compensated largely on donations.
• Security
  • Open-source means you get to see the code, so there's no "funny business" behind the curtain threatening data collection, odd computer resource usage, etc.
• Customization
  • It is possible to use the source code to build your own software or user interface, or to build add-ons and custom scripts to make it your own.
• Community
  • There is often a large community of users to help you by sharing their experiences and troubleshooting/problem resolutions.
• Compatibility/Accessibility
  • No two software programs that claim compatibility are 100% compatible, but at least if you give a client a deliverable (let's say CAD file) in a format usable/readable by free/open-source software, they won't need to pay big money or find a kind friend to help them open/use it.

I have had a personal fascination with open-source software for the above reasons, largely the first. I'm starting my own business now, and while I would happily continue using AutoCAD Civil 3D and the associated Autodesk programs, the cost ($2,000-2,700/year) is a major overhead expense for a new business with unknown workload and income. This is also just one of many software programs/platforms I'm likely to need. Free alternatives are often barely classifiable as "alternatives" since they don't perform near the same range of functions.

Anecdote: I had an older MacBook I needed to "refresh" with a format and reinstall. I decided to switch it to a Linux operating system and go open-source with all the software. After the initial installation, all seemed great. Day 2, I had trouble with a basic website because the web browser didn't have whatever it needed to play some basic video. Unlike the mainstream operating systems, it wasn't as simple as "click to install." As I started to research the steps necessary to get my most basic web-browsing to work, I quickly realized I needed more "free" time or computer knowledge than I had. I asked a knowledgeable friend, and he told me a friend once told him "Linux is free, as long as your time is worthless." I reformatted and installed the Mac OS again.