topic Re: (Example: Do we need a Linux version of ArchiCAD?) in Modeling

(Example: Do we need a Linux version of ArchiCAD?)

Anonymous — Thu, 30 Oct 2003 03:56:50 GMT

Is GS trying to tell us something? Or are they just teasing? Anyone have any thoughts or insights to this? I'm all for Linux compatibility.

Re: (Example: Do we need a Linux version of ArchiCAD?)

Anonymous — Thu, 30 Oct 2003 04:08:12 GMT

Just teasing, I hope!

Let's make sure they get the other OS's versions working properly first! Look at what happened when they had to maintain compatibility for Windows 98, NT, 2000, XP plus Mac OS 9, 10. It couldn't be done.

On top of that I can't believe that Linux has any sort of user base in creative firms like architecture offices that would justify it. OSX is the best *nix incarnation for the masses (arguably the best OS in general) and obviously has a much greater user base than Linux and less than Windows.

Anyway, let's hope it's just a joke.

Re: (Example: Do we need a Linux version of ArchiCAD?)

Ben Odonnell — Thu, 30 Oct 2003 08:41:23 GMT

Eric wrote:
Just teasing, I hope!

Let's make sure they get the other OS's versions working properly first! Look at what happened when they had to maintain compatibility for Windows 98, NT, 2000, XP plus Mac OS 9, 10. It couldn't be done.

On top of that I can't believe that Linux has any sort of user base in creative firms like architecture offices that would justify it. OSX is the best *nix incarnation for the masses (arguably the best OS in general) and obviously has a much greater user base than Linux and less than Windows.

Anyway, let's hope it's just a joke.

Couldn't agree more with you Eric. I also hope they are just teasing us. I know of 1 Architect in the whole of Sweden that wants a Linux version of ArchiCAD.
As Eric stated, there has to be a need, at the moment its just not there.. Linux is a great OS but maybe not for ArchiCAD just now

Re: (Example: Do we need a Linux version of ArchiCAD?)

Karl Ottenstein — Thu, 30 Oct 2003 18:06:49 GMT

Hi guys,

I agree that we don't want to see GS dilute their resources on a Linux port ... however the port may be important for marketing purposes (for airhead managers of large firms who do not listen to their IT guys). And, the port could conceivably be done by one person in a very short amount of time for reasons I shouldn't talk about.

This thing about Linux came up some months ago on the old list because of an article indicating that Autodesk was going to port AutoCAD to Linux (and who knows ... Revit/etc?).

Somewhere, some pencil pusher will look at a table of features with check marks for features that each of Autodesk and Graphisoft products have and say "Oh, AutoCAD runs on Linux ... we have Linux servers...I'm an idiot (OK they won't think that part)...so maybe looking towards the future it is better to have software that can run there too ... and look at the pretty brochure that Autodesk has with all of these check marks of things that Graphisoft doesn't yada yada....and they did take me to that really nice restaurant last night, and ..."

I have faith and optimism that the new upper management at Graphisoft is so mature in the industry and so marketing oriented that they would make the decision to either pursue Linux or not only if it is a smart move for sales. After all, we all want more sales so GS can hire more developers so more of our wishes can be granted! 😉

IMHO of course!

Cheers,
Karl

Re: (Example: Do we need a Linux version of ArchiCAD?)

Anonymous — Thu, 30 Oct 2003 19:33:04 GMT

I for one must be that one person that would appreciate a port to Linux. A few years ago I switched to a MAC to get rid of MS and now am back on Win for all the recent past MAC problems along with a short digression to the Revit side (without much success). Since MACs are on a form of open BSD would it be that difficult?

Re: (Example: Do we need a Linux version of ArchiCAD?)

Anonymous — Fri, 31 Oct 2003 07:09:09 GMT

I cornered the guys from Graphisoft in the bar at Archicad University about this and they didn't know of any plans to port Archicad to Linux. Could be something to think about for the future though as Linux is fast becoming more accepted as a platform. I'm all for it - the less I spend on OS/Office software the more I can spend on software like Archicad.

Mark B

Re: (Example: Do we need a Linux version of ArchiCAD?)

Anonymous — Fri, 31 Oct 2003 07:11:09 GMT

P.S: We are currently trialing Open Office to use in place of MS Office. If it pans out it will save me mega £/$!

Re: (Example: Do we need a Linux version of ArchiCAD?)

stefan — Fri, 31 Oct 2003 10:42:58 GMT

Linux is getting some good performance on 3D-graphics and Special FX. All the major applications have a strong Unix-background (mostly IRIX, the SGI version).

I don't think Graphisoft is at the point to start making ArchiCAD for Linux.

I only know of one architectural CAD-application (BricsCAD) that is being ported in the near future.

Most architects are not PC-guru's and rely on day-to-day use of Office applications and Internet & mail, so I doubt that they are all waiting for Linux.

Re: (Example: Do we need a Linux version of ArchiCAD?)

Anonymous — Fri, 31 Oct 2003 14:14:04 GMT

Mark wrote:
P.S: We are currently trialing Open Office to use in place of MS Office. If it pans out it will save me mega £/$!

We made the switch about 3 months ago. Heartily recommended. Still keep an 'archive' copy of Office Suite for 'emergencies' though! Other people can check out www.openoffice.org to see for themselves (yes it is free free free).

Stuart 'still a beginner' James

Re: (Example: Do we need a Linux version of ArchiCAD?)

Karl Ottenstein — Fri, 31 Oct 2003 17:27:43 GMT

StuartJames wrote:
Stuart 'still a beginner' James

Actually, it's showing you as a 'Guest' right now. 😉

The question is, Stuart, will your photo change color as you attain each new level? (I'm assuming your choice of 'green' was as in 'green beginner' ...)

At least all but the truly new members know you to be the expert that you are!

Karl

Re: (Example: Do we need a Linux version of ArchiCAD?)

Anonymous — Sat, 01 Nov 2003 17:17:00 GMT

The question is, Stuart, will your photo change color as you attain each new level? (I'm assuming your choice of 'green' was as in 'green beginner' ...)

Of course! I'm looking greatly forward to my next change of colour - can be considered as a hybrid caterpillar/chameleon evolutionary step, I guess ?!

At least all but the truly new members know you to be the expert that you are!
Karl

Thanks for the flowers ... cheque is in the post!

- Stuart

Re: (Example: Do we need a Linux version of ArchiCAD?)

Anonymous — Thu, 06 Nov 2003 19:27:13 GMT

ArchiCAD on Linux. . .<shrudder>
That's almost as frightening as two hours after lunch when we had corn and mayonaise day at my gradeschool cafeteria. . .

Re: (Example: Do we need a Linux version of ArchiCAD?)

Anonymous — Thu, 06 Nov 2003 21:32:24 GMT

I was posting for this topic as a potential opportunity to not use Microsoft op sys - Since MACs are based on UNIX and Linux is based on UNIX - and they both recognize 64 bit OS - then why should we all be limited by what Bill G has for us? Maybe it's just the annoyances with WIN that are driving me steadily down the track of mental never never land.

I do not know enough about systems, just the results of having to work around them every day - with increasing levels of frustration.

P4 2.53
XP Pro
AC8+

Re: (Example: Do we need a Linux version of ArchiCAD?)

Anonymous — Thu, 06 Nov 2003 23:09:45 GMT

<chuckle> I'm an avid Micro$oft Windoze user, so I know your frustration. It's pretty funny with the rivalries of Smackandtoss, and Windoze uzers. I feel that this analogy works best for any operating system. Let's say you have a shelf with 5 levels, on each level is a row of 10 bins, each with a label describing which series of Lego's is in each bin. Now if I were to ask you to get a red 2x6x2 red lego brick, you'd walk over to the shelf, searching through the bins, and in a matter of minutes you'd have the piece in hand. . .Now if you were one of our current operating systems, and I asked you to do the same thing, you'd walk up to the shelf, walk around it, then knock it over, spilling it's contents on the ground, then kick through the Legos with your feet, and bring me a green 2x6x2 brick after a few hours. . .

Re: (Example: Do we need a Linux version of ArchiCAD?)

Anonymous — Thu, 06 Nov 2003 23:35:03 GMT

chad.lawson wrote:
<chuckle> I'm an avid Micro$oft Windoze user, so I know your frustration. It's pretty funny with the rivalries of Smackandtoss, and Windoze uzers. I feel that this analogy works best for any operating system. Let's say you have a shelf with 5 levels, on each level is a row of 10 bins, each with a label describing which series of Lego's is in each bin. Now if I were to ask you to get a red 2x6x2 red lego brick, you'd walk over to the shelf, searching through the bins, and in a matter of minutes you'd have the piece in hand. . .Now if you were one of our current operating systems, and I asked you to do the same thing, you'd walk up to the shelf, walk around it, then knock it over, spilling it's contents on the ground, then kick through the Legos with your feet, and bring me a green 2x6x2 brick after a few hours. . .

You are right on target - why must we be limited - is it just plain old greed and no concern for the user?? which I think is the case. OR is there some other hidden agenda???? The big deal is the apparent "freebee" status of most of the distributions and not that one is better, etc.

I guess if someone else came up with a really good OS we would still be stuck with the monopoly. Oh well I'll keep on banging the head against the virtual wall - - -

Lew Bishop
P4 2.53
XP Pro
AC 8+

Re: (Example: Do we need a Linux version of ArchiCAD?)

Anonymous — Fri, 07 Nov 2003 04:39:13 GMT

chad.lawson wrote:

I guess if someone else came up with a really good OS we would still be stuck with the monopoly. Oh well I'll keep on banging the head against the virtual wall - - -

Or someone else can do something really like MS and create a really cheesy OS and stifle competition.
What I've experienced is that if you put 2 equally capable AC users head to head one on Windows and one on Mac the Mac user will be much faster navigating through the project everywhere (except in the pathetic library manager which is apparently a Windows Explorer rip off), even the keyboards are more ergonomically friendly on the Mac, MS has only had the advantage in speed of image generation due to the hardware available for it to run on, definitely NOT because it's a "really good OS". Hopefully the new generations of Macs will level the playing field and /or Apple will decide to further develop and release their OS to run on a "PC". Which I've heard but have not been able to substantiate may be available on some new IBM creations.

BTW yet again, it appears as if one must have a MS product to use the spill cheeker in this forum as well? Glad Safari has it's own.

Do we need a Linux version of ArchiCAD?

Anonymous — Sat, 08 Nov 2003 10:49:56 GMT

Hi Guys!
I found Linux very nice.
It's time to start programming Prof. CAD's for Linux.
And I'm thinking that it will be very nice to have GS products for Linux. And I'm not sure that Windows will be better for AC than Linux. We must test it before.

Re: (Example: Do we need a Linux version of ArchiCAD?)

stefan — Mon, 10 Nov 2003 08:49:30 GMT

LewBishop wrote:
The big deal is the apparent "freebee" status of most of the distributions and not that one is better, etc.

I don't think so. The license cost of the OS is only a very small part of the total use cost. When you have your expensive employee losing time on an OS he/she is not familiar with, then you loose money.

If you can get your work done on a more expensive OS, then the cost of the OS is irrelevant. Even when you need 50 licenses.

Re: (Example: Do we need a Linux version of ArchiCAD?)

Anonymous — Mon, 10 Nov 2003 15:30:01 GMT

stefan wrote:
LewBishop wrote:
The big deal is the apparent "freebee" status of most of the distributions and not that one is better, etc.
I don't think so. The license cost of the OS is only a very small part of the total use cost. When you have your expensive employee losing time on an OS he/she is not familiar with, then you loose money.

If you can get your work done on a more expensive OS, then the cost of the OS is irrelevant. Even when you need 50 licenses.

Perhaps the cost may be irrelevant, but using one vs the other is related to more than being forced to use one just because it sells the most. Equating that to CAD software is saying that we should only use Autocad because it sells the most. Neither argument makes sense to me. Finding and using the best tools is, for me, the solution.

My original premise was to take advantage of the fastest and less expensive hardware available, which may have too many flaws anyway.

Yes we need a Linux version of ArchiCAD

Anonymous — Wed, 12 Nov 2003 14:31:31 GMT

even if Mac OS X is the best Unix OS in the world, Linux is a very good investment in the future as the most usefull softs are available on it , an easy to use interface too, and surely to get better and better. Very stable too. A development for Linux will work on both mac and Pc's, will be stable, and the user base is growing very fast because. Of course its independency towards hegemony of Microfsoft and marketing aspects is one of the main points that guarantee its success and quality.