Up and Running with AutoCAD 2010

Up and Running with AutoCAD 2010 provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of AutoCAD. These concepts have been distilled down to basic, easy to understand explanations for the benefit of beginner students. Each chapter explains the new concept or command and why it is important. Readers are given the chance to apply just-learned knowledge to a real-life exercise, drawing, or model. They can also test their knowledge with end-of-chapter quizzes and drawing exercises.
The book is organized into two parts: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 offers a wide breadth of knowledge on many topics. Its 10 chapters comprise the complete essential knowledge set of an intermediate user. Students can then work on, if not necessarily set up and manage, moderate to complex drawings. Level 2 is meant for advanced users who are CAD managers, full-time AutoCAD draftspersons, architects, or self-employed and must do everything themselves. The goal here is depth, and several features not deemed critically important in Level 1 are revisited to explore additional advanced options. Also introduced are advanced topics necessary to set up and manage complex drawings.

• Strips away complexities, both real and perceived, and reduces AutoCAD to easy-to-understand basic concepts; using the author's extensive multi-industry knowledge of what is widely used in practice, the material is presented by immediately immersing the reader in practical, critically essential knowledge
• Explains the why and how of AutoCAD commands:  all concepts are explained first in theory and then covered in step-by-step detail
• Extensive use of screen shots, chapter summaries, and a self-test section at the end of each chapter
• Includes drawing examples and exercises, and two running projects that the reader works on as he/she progresses through the chapters
• Each chapter features a 'Spotlight On...' section, highlighting the use of AutoCAD in various industries 
• Fully updated for AutoCAD 2010 release, including introduction of the ribbon menu structure in chapter 1

Elliot Gindis has used and taught AutoCAD in the New York City area since 1996, logging in well over 20,000 hours of screen time as a designer and consultant in a wide variety of architecture and engineering fields. From 1999 to 2008 he was on staff at the Pratt Institute of Design and as visiting instructor at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT). He is currently president of Vertical Technologies Consulting and Design, an AutoCAD training firm, and has advised, consulted, or assisted more than 60 companies nationwide in using and optimizing AutoCAD. Elliot is part of the AutoDesk Developers Network and is a Certified Technical Trainer.