We have been watching the new product releases scheduled from Autodesk with anticipation, just as our customers have. Many customers have been waiting and watching for the release information as they get ready to place orders for new PCs loaded with Microsoft Windows Vista. The wait is over now, but the information we have received is not what we would have hoped for.

Windows Vista and Inventor 2008
We have received information that the Inventor 2008 series of products from Autodesk will NOT support Windows Vista when they are released. Sources at Autodesk indicate that support for Vista will be added later this year, but there is no time frame for that support. There are many reasons this could happen, and although nothing has been published yet, it could well be the lack of support for OpenGL video cards in Windows Vista and the problematic / slower performance of DirectX video rendering and performance with CAD software.

What operating system should I get with a new computer?
The recommendation at this stage of the game is simple: if you plan to run CAD software, Microsoft Windows XP Professional is the only choice you can make with the purchase of a new PC. The current versions of Autodesk software and those soon to be released do NOT work with Windows Vista. This list
of software is not to be considered inclusive and just because you do not see your application on the list below that does not mean that it will work. As of March 22, 2007, the list of applications released by Autodesk looks like this:

Windows® Vista does not support the following versions of Autodesk software:

Autodesk Inventor 2008 family of products
Autodesk Inventor Series 11
Autodesk Inventor Series 10
Autodesk Inventor Series 9
Autodesk Inventor Professional 11
Autodesk Inventor Professional 10
Autodesk Inventor Professional 9
Autodesk® Architectural Desktop 2007
Autodesk® Architectural Desktop 2006
Autodesk® Architectural Desktop 2005
Autodesk® Architectural Desktop 2004
Autodesk® Building Systems 2007.1
Autodesk® Building Systems 2007
Autodesk® Building Systems 2006
Autodesk® Building Systems 2005
Autodesk® Building Systems 2004
Autodesk® AutoCAD® Revit® Series—Systems Plus 2
Autodesk® AutoCAD® Revit® Series—Systems Plus 1
Autodesk® Revit® Building 9.1
Autodesk® Revit® Building 9
Autodesk® Revit® Building 8.1
Autodesk® Revit® Building 8
Autodesk® Revit® 7
Autodesk® Revit® Structure 4
Autodesk® Revit® Structure 3
Autodesk® Revit® Structure 2
Autodesk® Revit® Structure 1
Autodesk® FMDesktop 7.0
Autodesk® FMDesktop 6.5

I need to buy a new PC now!
If you buy from an integrator, and not a web site or super store, ask for Windows XP Professional. You can always upgrade later. You will get your new hardware and have an operating system that does work with your CAD software. You can also contact Microsoft and see about running an older version (Windows XP) until your applications are supported. Of course, if you like being on the leading (bleeding) edge, you can upgrade now to Vista, but be aware that support for applications and workarounds may be non-existent while the application vendors determine if patches will be made or if support for Vista will only come with the release of new versions of their particular application software(s).

How can I get more information on this subject?
If you are looking for more information on Windows Vista and updates that Autodesk may post regarding application compatibility and this new operating system. You can visit www.autodesk.com and use the search function for “Vista” or take a look at these links, which were valid at the time of this writing, Thursday, March 22, 2007 - Vista Link 1, Vista Link 2. You can also contact your account manager with Hagerman & Company, Inc. for current information. As always, when you are looking to upgrade, make sure your applications will run on the new operating system and hardware. After all, we all know what happens when we assume! If you have questions or comments about this article, contact me.

All product names / logos, company names / logos are copyrights of their respective holders. John Boline is an MCSE, CNE, USE and a member of the Network Professional Association. The content herein is often based on late-breaking events. Much of the material is based on information from sources that are believed to be reliable. Hagerman & Company, Inc. disclaims all warranties as to the ultimate accuracy or completeness of the information. Hagerman & Company, Inc. and its employees shall have no liability for errors, omissions or inadequacies in the information contained within this article or for any interpretations thereof. The recommendations, positions and best practice policies outlined herein represent Hagerman & Company, Inc. initial analysis and therefore are subject to change as further information which may have bearing on these positions is made available. The reader assumes sole responsibility for the selection of these materials to achieve its intended results. The opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Entire contents © 2007 Hagerman & Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this publication in any form without prior written permission is forbidden.