Windows Explorer Running Slow

One reason windows explorer may be running slow is Digital Signatures are enabled. It is important to shut this off if you are using any WAN accelerator such as Riverbed appliances.

I run this registry edit when my users login to ensure it's off.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Autodesk\Autodesk Digital Signatures]
"IconOverlayEnabled"=dword:00000000

If you copy the above 3 lines into a text file with the extension .reg you can manually run it by double clicking the file. It will prompt you if you want to add the information to the registry.

Disclaimer: Working with the registry should be done with caution. Make a backup prior to making changes.

I've only tested this on AutoCAD 2008 Land Desktop and Civil 3D installations. I've never had to mess with it again.

Why can't Autodesk make AutoCAD a stable product?

I don’t have the answer to this question. I just have an opinion.

I received a comment to my Fix broken hatch patterns post.
Why can't Autodesk make a stable product? – vanilla ice

Short answer, I’m not sure the AutoCAD team can ever perfect it. It’s constantly evolving. They build the platform. Verticals build upon it. Somewhere along the lines there are going to be issues. Check out their product line. Quite daunting.

Here are my 2 cents. I've been using AutoCAD since r12 so I know what a stable product looks, acts, and feels like. Major bugs get introduced when overhauls to the architecture of the software are made and of course new features. R13 anyone? R14 got it right. Note the 2 year trend. Everyone adopted the philosophy "Never upgrade to an odd release."

To Autodesk’s defense, they can’t possibly test new features in every possible scenario. Anyone who has written a simple LISP routine can attest. Autodesk’s “1 release every year” has a lot to do with the plethora of bug issues. Releasing a new version every year is one way to justify the cost of subscription. If they don't add new features then it’s tough to justify. Many people have surveyed this subject. I agree with the majority that Autodesk shouldn't release every year. I prefer a solid product release. Take Civil 3D for a prime example. 2004 was the first public release and it took them till Service Pack 3 for 2007 to get it stable. Ok, 2004 & 2005 was just to get it into the people’s hands to help guide it and give input. 2006 and 2007 were prime time! 2 years plus service packs. Thank you, Autodesk for getting it stable and running. Good riddance to Land Desktop!

I’m going to agree that Autodesk needs to focus on ironing out new features before a major release. 2006 CUI was horrific. It took service packs and a major release to fix that one. Some would argue it’s still not fixed.

What can you do to make Autodesk products better?
- AUGI forums. It’s also where you can get free support.
- Sending those error reports when you crash. I said when not if.
- Autodesk forums
- Communicate with your Autodesk reseller
- Cadalyst.com

Thanks for reading my 2 cents. Feel free to comment.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Appended Dec. 13, 2008
I'm going to add one thing to Autodesk's defense. Service pack 1 typically resolves most of the issues presented by new features. Mostly... Reading Bug Watch by Cadalyst opens your eyes to bugs you may never run into.

My intention with this post is to let people, who are the culprits, know that software at this magnitude is inevitably going to have bugs. I agree, old bugs are not easily forgivable as new ones.

AutoCAD-IntelliCAD's response drives home the point I made above. Autodesk products should be as solid as possible prior to a release especially for the cost. I have high expectations from Autodesk to deliver such a product. AutoCAD is a tool that has paid my bills for years and possibly even yours.

In closing I would say to give software companies a little longer of a leash than you would want or should. They're human beings with souls, hopefully all of them have one. Mistakes happen. The massive level of contributions from people like you and me help make products better with each release. Without our voice they don't know what we want or need.

Screen Capture for Documentation of Standards

Every day I seem to find myself creating tutorials or writing training material. I add screen shots in every document I write. Users will become accustom to it quickly. Let's be honest, it's tough enough to get people to read the simplest of emails.

My Old Method of Screen Capturing:
I used to use PrintScreen button and paste into MS Paint to make edits. Capturing Menus required capturing the entire desktop. If you used Alt+PrtScn to capture just the active program window the menu would disappear. I was sick and tired of cropping Menus so I did what every Good CAD Manager does and searched for a better cost effective solution.

I found SnagIT here: http://www.techsmith.com/
The price of $39.95 is unbelievable. (08/28/07)

It does Menus in a snap. Not only does SnagIT capture virtually anything on your screen in hundreds of methods it also comes with an Excellent Editor. I seem to learn more and more each day I use it. Techsmith created a video series called "SnagIT 24 in 24" to help any user achieve their goal.

My ROI was accomplished on my 1st project. I had to update my CAD Standards. So I scrapped every screen shot and completed it using SnagIT.

They give you a 30 day trial period. If you do screen captures at all as apart of your job this tool is a must have. No I'm not getting kick backs from Techsmith. I just know a good product when I see it.