Before you begin learning AutoCAD Civil 3D, you should make sure your hardware is up to snuff. Visit the Autodesk website and review graphic requirements, memory requirements, and so on. One of the most frustrating things that can happen is to be ready to learn, only to be stymied by hardware-related crashes. AutoCAD Civil 3D is a hardware-intensive program, testing the limits of every computer on which it runs.
We also strongly recommend using either a wide format or dual-monitor setup. The number of dialogs, palettes, and so on make AutoCAD Civil 3D a real estate hog. By having the extra space to spread out, you’ll be able to see more of your design along with the feedback provided by the program itself.
You need to visit www.sybex.com/go/masteringcivil3d2012 to download all of the data and sample files. Finally, please be sure to visit the Autodesk website at www.autodesk.com to download any service packs that might be available.