Checking System Requirements

If you're upgrading from AutoCAD 2011 or another recent release, and you work mostly or entirely in 2D, you're probably already current with system requirements. In fact, if your work is mostly or entirely 2D — and therefore, this applies especially for LT users — AutoCAD 2012 will run fine on pretty well any computer that will run Windows 7, Vista, or XP.

AutoCAD's requirements for running in Windows 7 or Vista are substantially higher than for running in XP. This section covers the details.

You should know the following before you upgrade from any older AutoCAD release:

• Wash those old Windows: AutoCAD 2012 does not support older versions of Windows, such as Windows 2000, NT, 98, or Me. For AutoCAD 2012, you have three choices of operating system:
  • Windows XP (Home or Professional, SP3 or later)
  • Windows Vista (Enterprise, Business, Ultimate, or Home Premium, SP2 or later)
  • Windows 7 (Enterprise, Ultimate, Professional, or Home Premium)

  If you like to be cutting edge, there are 64-bit versions of AutoCAD 2012 and AutoCAD LT 2012 that run in the 64-bit versions of XP, Vista, and Windows 7.

• DWG file compatibility: The AutoCAD DWG file format changed with AutoCAD 2010. Users of that version can open drawings created in AutoCAD 2012, but you have to use the Save As option on the Application Menu, or the SAVEAS command, to create DWG files for users of AutoCAD 2009 and earlier versions. You can save as far back as Release 14, and if you need to go even further back, you can save to the Release 12 DXF format. Visit the online help system for instructions.
• Application compatibility: If you use third-party applications with a previous AutoCAD release, they may not work with AutoCAD 2012. AutoCAD applications developed with the .NET or the ObjectARX (AutoCAD Runtime eXtension) interfaces may or may not need to be recompiled. Many LSP (AutoLISP) programs written for the last several versions of AutoCAD should work without change.

  Built-in support for VBA applications is not included in AutoCAD 2012. You can continue to run VBA applications, but you first have to download and install the VBA installer from the Autodesk Web site. At the time this book went to press, the URL has not been finalized; just go to www.autodesk.com and enter VBA installer in the Search box. There are 32- and 64-bit versions, so make sure you download the right one for your system.

• Computer system requirements: For AutoCAD 2012, Autodesk recommends a 1.6 GHz or better Intel or AMD processor with at least 2 GB of RAM if running in Windows XP, and a 3.0 GHz or better chip and 2 GB of RAM if running in Windows Vista or Windows 7. The recommended operating system is Windows 7 (64-bit). Multiple processors and dual core are supported. You also need a 1024 x 768 or higher display resolution with True Color graphics, 1 GB to 2 GB of available hard disk space, an Internet connection, and Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 or later.
• Additional requirements for working in 3D: AutoCAD recommends a 3 GHz or better processor; 4 GB or more of RAM; a workstation-class, Direct3D-capable graphics card with at least 128 MB of memory; and an additional 2 GB of hard disk space beyond the 1 GB required for installation.