AutoCAD software

I don’t know if this is an appropriate questions for this forum, but it’s worth a shot. I have recently switched jobs, and no longer have access to free AutoCAD. My old job provided me with a personal laptop and a 2007 version of AutoCAD. My new job has AutoCAD 2009 installed on my office computer. I’m interested in purchasing AutoCAD (2007 or so) for myself so that I can occasionally work from home. All the websites I have tried want to sell AutoCAD with 5-10 seats, or with a 61 month time limit… I tried eBay and Amazon but there were so many choices. Does any one know how I can get my hands on a full version of AutoCAD that I can have at home.

Max

Read the EULA for the 2009 version. It may allow for a copy on your home computer. This what the EULA says in the 2008 version

3.1.2 Use Away from Usual Work Location.

(a) For Standalone (Individual) and Multi-Seat Standalone Versions. If you have acquired a Standalone (Individual) Version or Multi-Seat Standalone Versions, for each Permitted Number of copies of the Software, You may Install and Access, solely within Your Territory, one (1) additional copy of the Software on a second Computer provided that:

(i) such second Computer is owned or leased by You (and not by another person, such as Your employee, if any);

(ii) such second Computer is a non-server Computer away from Your usual work location or a portable Computer;

(iii) the additional copy of Software is Accessed solely for the purpose of enabling You (or Your employee, if any) to perform work while away from Your usual work location;

(iv) the original and additional copy of the Software are used only by the same person, and only one (1) of the Software copies is Accessed at any one time; and

(v) both copies of the Software are Installed and Accessed exclusively with the copy protection device (if any) supplied with the Software

of course you need your employer's consent

I've been telecommuting for years. The company agreed to it when I was hired. I always confirm with our authorized reseller that I can legally load AutoCAD on both my work and home computer before doing so. I've never had a problem.

The EULA now (since 2008 or 2009) prohibits installation on home computers. Note the EULA quoted above, the computer must be owned by YOU, and YOU in the EULA is the company that paid for the software (see definitions in the the EULA).

There is a home use license that is free, you do have to get the company to agree to it. Oh, and they must be on subscription.

Another option if you only want it to learn and play with is a student version. Sign up for a class and download for free. Don't ever use files made from a Educational version at work, the plot will have Educational Version plotted on all four sides. Any file you insert even on object into from the EDU version will be polluted with the EDU stamp and your boss and client will be very unhappy.

Note the EULA quoted above, the computer must be owned by YOU

Owned or Leased... the home computer could be leased to the YOU.

My authorized AutoCAD dealer has never once asked who owned the computer I used at home. If no one asks, don't volunteer the information.

My old job provided me with a personal laptop and a 2007 version of AutoCAD. My new job has AutoCAD 2009 installed on my office computer.

Connect to your office via VPN and then use Remote Desktop to use the AutoCAD that is on your office machine -or- if your employer is on subscription, you can get a "home license", check the subscription T&C.

You can't (legally) buy AutoCAD on eBay or Amazon - in fact you can *only* purchase it from Autodesk themselves or from an authorized reseller.

You can't (legally) buy AutoCAD on eBay or Amazon - in fact you can *only* purchase it from Autodesk themselves or from an authorized reseller.

Your saying that Autodesk's (EULA), has been re-written to get around a judgment handed down by the District court Verner vs. Autodesk.

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2008/05/court-smacks-autodesk-affirms-right-to-sell-used-software.ars

Have they gotten around the First Sale Doctrine?

KC

Your saying that Autodesk's (EULA), has been re-written to get around a judgment handed down by the District court Verner vs. Autodesk.

Of course there is nothing to stop you from buying it, but good luck obtaining auth codes, support, and future upgrades.

I'm saying go ahead and buy a "previously purchased" copy from someone and see if Autodesk will register it to you.

 

Of course there is nothing to stop you from buying it, but good luck obtaining auth codes, support, and future upgrades.

Yeah... Even though they can't stop you from purchasing it, they are under no obligation to make the transaction a pleasant one.

KC

Let's face it. If you have a legit copy of an AutoDesk product that you no longer use or need why can't a way to transfer the license (legally) be worked out? Is it really that complicated? OK...attach some sort of fee to the process. Fine with me. But can't we just work out an agreeable solution? Would a license transfer application/fee/process be the way to go here? Your thoughts and opinions appreciated. Thanks.

Let's face it. If you have a legit copy of an AutoDesk product that you no longer use or need why can't a way to transfer the license (legally) be worked out?

Because Autodesk would rather sell two licenses (your original + one to whoever you would sell yours to). Anyone who hands over $$$ for AutoCAD knows this going in, so it's no surprise.

In this economy it might just make sense to consider other altenatives. The last I read AutoDesk subscriptions were down markedly as we sales. Look at the upside to my suggestion. AutoDesk charges a fee for the transfer of license on "old" products. New user gets hooked and wants to upgrade at some point. AutoDesk snags them again dollar-wise. Everybody is happy. No?

In this economy it might just make sense to consider other altenatives. The last I read AutoDesk subscriptions were down markedly as we sales. Look at the upside to my suggestion. AutoDesk charges a fee for the transfer of license on "old" products. New user gets hooked and wants to upgrade at some point. AutoDesk snags them again dollar-wise. Everybody is happy. No?

they did do something because of this economy. They raised subscription rates, and increased fees to upgrade software that is not under subscription lol.

I agree with you 100%