Autocad License question

[jebkyle]

Hi

I am a piping designer who has had some "on the side" design oportunities come up. I do not have a version of autocad but I do know someone who has a version with a activation code. Can i use their copy of autocad to conduct designs for clients or do i need to completely start from scratch by buying a brand new version and register it to me?

[shadow3865]

what verison?

[azzro10]

u probably "could" but wen u say "on the side" it sounds a little dodgey
n i dont think autdesk would approve.
but it does sound like u wont to do the right thing, maybe explain ur situation
a little more or even better just give ur cad supplier a call.

[Cad64]

Are you talking about doing your work on this other persons computer? Or are you asking if it's ok to load their copy of Autocad onto your machine? There's nothing wrong with doing your work on your friends copy of Autocad, on their computer. But you cannot load their copy of Autocad onto your machine, regardless of what version it is.

[jebkyle]

the "on the side work" means i will be drawing pipe spools for a fabricator. its nothing shady, its just different i guess since im taking the skills from my day to day job and applying it for weekend work.

the copy of autocad is on a disk. it has a activaction code. i would be borrowing the disk from this person and loading it onto my computer. but from what i have heard, it still would cause a illegal situation. its not like i have my own company, its just on the side money.

anyways, i am just trying to find the best route to take. my side oportunities may one day make me more money then my day to day job and i can start my own business

[Cad64]

You may want to look into an alternative to Autocad. Something like ProgeCad (http://www.progecad.com/eng_index.php?XMLFILE=http://news.progesoft.com/intellicad/index.rdf&TEMPLATE=../eng_index1.html&MAXITEMS=4). From what I know of the program, it's basically an Autocad clone but it's much, much cheaper. You can download a trial version from the link to check it out.

[jebkyle]

well its pretty clear that i really need to get a buy autocad. i really want to stick with autcad because i use it every day, all day at work and happen to be the "go to guy" for autocad questions. i would really like to find a version of 2004 LT or something of that nature. im still searching the web for a deal

[Alan Cullen]

Don't know how legal this is in your country, but in Australia, we can load the office copy of autocad on our home computer, then use the portable licence transfer to activate the home computer acad whenever we want.

[Noahma]

well its pretty clear that i really need to get a buy autocad. i really want to stick with autcad because i use it every day, all day at work and happen to be the "go to guy" for autocad questions. i would really like to find a version of 2004 LT or something of that nature. im still searching the web for a deal

I know what you mean, I am using a license for work and got Autodesks authorization to install at work, and on my home machine. I really want my own copy of the program, but dont have the 5k to fork out for it. So I still sit waiting and saving lol

(will probably be 2020 before I get my own copy lol.)

[ReMark]

You're in a bind no matter what you do. Technically speaking, if you used your work copy at home to do "side work" you'd be violating the terms of the EULA. Could you use LT? At least the cost is lower.

[Alan Cullen]

You're in a bind no matter what you do. Technically speaking, if you used your work copy at home to do "side work" you'd be violating the terms of the EULA. Could you use LT? At least the cost is lower.

And I guess that is how we can do it, because we only use the portable license thingy to work on "work" work at home.

[f700es]

And I guess that is how we can do it, because we only use the portable license thingy to work on "work" work at home.

Is that a hassle to you? What if you forget to unload your home machine after you get to work? Do you have to drive home and unload it? I am so glad we get unlocked copies here in the US.

[Alan Cullen]

Is that a hassle to us? What if you forget to unload your home machine after you get to work? Do you have to drive home and unload it? I am so glad we get unlocked copies here in the US.

Yeah, mate, that has happened to me a few times now. :lol: :lol:

[mrbucket]

If your buddy still wants his version of Acad, maybe you could swing a deal? If he wants a newer version, split the cost, and then use his. Your both saving money, and you both have legit versions.

[rustysilo]

I wouldn't think Autodesk would go crazy and come after you for using someone elses copy until you can afford your own. Never know.

You could always try another less expensive software that supports the .dwg file format. Maybe you could try LiteCAD (http://www.litecad.com/). It is not fully functional, but it may be just enough for you and it doesn't require installation so you can take it with you on any computer.

Otherwise you might try to purchase a copy of AutoCAD LT (so long as you're only doing 2D work). Check Ebay as you can find new unopened seats of LT for quite a bit cheaper than buying at a normal retail outlet.

[Alan Cullen]

Dunno about US, but in Australia, licenses are not transferable. In other words, you cannot sell your license.

[rustysilo]

They are transferable here, but you have to go through Autodesk for "permission".

There is a lawsuit right now pertaining to this. Here is the latest update I've seen:
http://aecnews.com/news/2008/03/05/3014.aspx

[Dipali]

They are transferable here, but you have to go through Autodesk for "permission".

There is a lawsuit right now pertaining to this. Here is the latest update I've seen:
http://aecnews.com/news/2008/03/05/3014.aspx

well, it is intresting to know.
What r the implications of it?
for example someone who owns 6 licences bought just 2 yrs back. he is past his retirement age & also not having enough work on hand since few months, now wants to close his business. what does he do? can he sell all his licenses to someone or not?

[Cad64]

If he's selling his business, I believe that the Autocad licenses can be transferred on to the new owner. You can also request a license transfer from Autodesk, and under certain circumstances, they will grant the transfer. I believe that retirement would probably fall into the category of acceptable license transfer. But then again, we are talking about Autodesk here. :P

[Noahma]

You're in a bind no matter what you do. Technically speaking, if you used your work copy at home to do "side work" you'd be violating the terms of the EULA. Could you use LT? At least the cost is lower.

I dont do sidework at home, only work and some fiddling around with my own designs for myself. :)