What Is Autocad LT 2009?

Compter-Assisted Drafting

AutoCAD is software for 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional computer-assisted design drafting, which is developed by Autodesk, Inc. Although it originally only provided the ability to draw primitive lines and curved surfaces, it has evolved into a powerful tool for complex drafting tasks with multiple viewports and even 3D. It is an industry-standard for CAD software.

AutoCAD History

AutoCAD was first introduced in December of 1982. AutoCAD was based on an earlier, limited-use drafting program called Interact. Originally written in its own proprietary language, Interact could only be used on a limited set of computers. It was decided to rewrite the entire program in the C programming language, meaning it could be compiled for and used on a wider variety of platforms.

AutoCAD LT

AutoCAD may be an industry standard, but it is an expensive software package, costing more than $1000. AutoCAD LT was introduced November 1993 as a lower-cost option. The first version to be priced below $1000, AutoCAD LT is a entry-level, limited version of AutoCAD. While they share many of the same features, AutoCAD LT is not as powerful as the full version of AutoCAD.

AutoCAD LT Requirements

The minimum requirements to run AutoCAD LT 2009 are:

A computer running Microsoft Windows XP with at least Service Pack 2
A Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon Dual Core processor at 1.6 GHz or higher
At least of 1 GB RAM
1.3 GB of free disk space for installation

The software can be installed either from a physical CD or from a download purchased online from Autodesk.

AutoCAD LT 2009 Features

AutoCAD provides most of the functionality of the full version of AutoCAD, making it a powerful tool for drafting. Both the full version of AutoCAD and the lighter AutoCAD LT use the same technology and architecture. Both save files in the proprietary DWGTM file format and the DWFTM or PDF file specification. AutoCAD 2009 features many new user interface improvements designed to increase drafter productivity. Many frequently performed drafting tasks are automated.

Differences from AutoCAD

AutoCAD LT lacks some advanced features found in the full AutoCAD such as customization with LISP, ARX, and VBA, 3D modeling capabilities, 3D visualization and rendering, network licensing, management and automation capabilities and CAD standards management tools.

References

• AutoCAD LT 2009 official site
• AutoCAD LT 2009 features
• AutoCAD LT 2009 requirements
• AutoCAD History