Computer Media

New versions of Autodesk's AutoCAD, the most popular PC-CAD software, appear regularly (see Computer Media, LJ 3/1/04). These official guides will update library collections. For beginners, Basics offers step-by-step tutorials on using AutoCAD commands for basic 2-D drafting, while Advanced moves into advanced 2-D, customizing the software, and 3-D design. Each highlights new features in the 2006 version and includes straightforward instructions and plentiful screen shots, as well as CDs that contain files referenced in each book. Both titles are clear, thorough, and useful for all larger public libraries and academic libraries supporting engineering, drafting, or design curricula.

Specifically for first-time users and students, Introducing covers installation, 2-D drawing, and customization. Its CD includes appendixes and project exercises in PDF format for multiple disciplines (mechanical, architectural, civil, electrical, and piping), while each chapter ends with review questions. More a textbook than Basics, Introducing will be useful for self-study or the classroom; step-by-step, accessible instructions and clear figures and screen shots make this an appropriate purchase for all medium and larger libraries. Quick Reference encompasses all AutoCAD 2006 commands in alphabetical order, including some not documented by Autodesk, and identifies in which version each command first appeared. For each command (as appropriate), it shows the menu button; quickly explains its use; gives command line options; lists related commands, system variables, and toolbar icons; provides tips; and shows screen shots and illustrations, aliases, and shortcut menu options. A fantastic reference for all AutoCAD users; larger libraries should consider as a supplemental purchase. Aimed at all levels of users but most useful for self-study, A Problem-Solving Approach explains commands and illustrates how to use each to overcome common drafting and design obstacles. Each chapter begins with “Learning Objectives” and ends with self-evaluation tests and review questions, and examples and exercises are included throughout. For larger libraries.

Exchange Server 2003—the latest version of Microsoft's messaging server platform—enjoys wide use in organizations. Its idiosyncrasies, though, often frustrate administrators. These three guides offer differing approaches and fill different needs. For beginners, SAMS Teach Yourself presents an unintimidating—but less-than-thorough—introduction, with each chapter acting as a self-contained ten-minute lesson that walks readers step by step through common Exchange Server tasks and capabilities. Appropriate for all libraries; larger libraries need to supplement with more in-depth guides. A thorough reference for intermediate to advanced users, Unleashed offers an updated volume covering both the standard and the enterprise editions of Exchange Server SP2. Each chapter ends with “Best Practices,” a nice touch for those looking to improve how they work with Exchange. Step-by-step instructions are supplemented with background and explanation, and several chapters are devoted to migrating to Exchange 2003 from other platforms (e.g., Novell GroupWise and Lotus Notes) and earlier versions. A good purchase for larger institutions. A clear how-to reference for intermediate to advanced users, Cookbook covers both Exchange Server 2003 and Exchange 2000 Server. Its “recipes” generally include multiple methods (command line, GUI, and script) to suit varying preferences and to demonstrate the relationships among methods. From verifying the readiness of your infrastructure for an Exchange Server 2003 installation to performing database recovery, each activity presents a common problem, a succinct, step-by-step solution, discussion of the issues involved, and See Also references (where applicable). Highly recommended for medium and larger libraries.