TABLE OF CONTENTS This appendix gives you information about installing AutoCAD 2008 on your system and describes the system parameters you should set to configure AutoCAD to meet the needs of your operating environment. Throughout this appendix, the system variable associated with a setting, when available, is included at the end of an option description, enclosed in brackets. System variables are settings that enable you to control AutoCAD's behavior when using commands and features. You'll find a detailed description of the AutoCAD system variables in the AutoCAD Help window.
Before you begin the installation process, be sure you have at least 750MB of free disk space on the drive on which you intend to install AutoCAD. You should also have at least an additional 100MB of free disk space for AutoCAD temporary files and swap files, plus another 20MB for the tutorial files you'll create. AutoCAD will work with Microsoft Windows Vista, Windows XP (Home, Professional or Tablet edition) with Service Pack 2, or Windows 2000 Professional with Service Pack 4. AutoCAD also works with Internet Explorer 6 with Service Pack 1 or Internet Explorer 7.
For 2D work, you'll also need a Pentium IV-CPU or better at least 512MB of RAM, and a video card that supports at least 1024 x 768 resolution and TrueColor.
For serious 3D work, Autodesk recommends 2GB of RAM, 2GB of free disk space not including the AutoCAD installation, and a 128MB or greater OpenGL/Direct3D-capable workstation class graphics card. Autodesk has a list of...
