SolidWorks 2011 Parts Bible - Matt Lombard [9]
You can find video card requirements at the above link for system requirements. The main concern with a video card for SolidWorks is that it be compatible with OpenGL. Hardware changes too rapidly for me to give specific recommendations here, but generally, nVidia brand boards in the Quadro line are acceptable, as are AMD/ATI brand boards in the FirePro line. You should expect to pay $100 to $500 for a serviceable low- to mid-range video card. Cards that are marketed as game cards, such as the Radeon or GeForce, have known limitations and do not work well with SolidWorks.
In addition to installing the correct hardware, you also need to have a compatible driver version installed. Again, refer to the SolidWorks system requirements Web site.
Whether you are installing SolidWorks or someone else is installing it for you, you should consider purchasing a copy of the SolidWorks Administration Bible (Wiley, 2010), which contains all the information you need on installing, configuring, and troubleshooting SolidWorks.
Alternatively, you might not want to get that involved at first. You can install the software with all defaults just to get started, using it as a practice installation, especially if you intend to learn as much as you can about it, and then come back and do a more thorough job of implementing it later. If this is the case, just put the DVD in the drive and accept all the defaults. In the Summary page, shown in Figure 1.1, you can choose to change the disk installation location and choose which products are installed.
FIGURE 1.1
Changing installation settings on the Summary install page
You should count on the installation requiring about 6GB of space on your hard drive, depending on the options you select to install. The locations of files on your computer will vary by SolidWorks version, by your operating system, and by your own installation choices, but the bulk of the files are placed into two separate folders: the Program Files folder (C:\Program Files\SolidWorks Corp\SolidWorks) and the Toolbox Data folder (C:\SolidWorks Data).
SolidWorks 2011 also creates a folder in the My Documents folder called GaBi which appears to only have empty folders, but you should not remove it. Also in My Documents are two folders called SolidWorks Downloads and SolidWorks Visual Studio Tools for Applications. Both of these should also remain where they are. The SolidWorks Downloads folder is a good place to look for items that are downloaded automatically from the Background Downloader or the SWIM.
When installing any software, it is best practice to exit out of all other software first, turn off antivirus software, make sure you have enough hard drive space and otherwise meet the system requirements outlined on the SolidWorks System Requirements Web page, and reboot when the installation is complete.
You can also install without a DVD, using downloaded data instead. To do this, you need a subscription account for the Customer Portal area of the SolidWorks Web site at www.solidworks.com/sw/support/Subscription Services.html.
Trial installations, network licenses, student versions, administrative images, and other special cases may require that you contact your reseller for technical support.
Starting SolidWorks for the First Time
SolidWorks has many tools for beginning users that are available when the software is installed. A default installation presents you with several options when the software is started the first time. Following is a description of these options, and how you can most benefit from them.
If you plan to go to formal SolidWorks reseller-based training classes, it is a very good idea to go through some of the tutorials mentioned in this section first; this way you are prepared to ask educated questions and have a leg up on the rest of the class. You will get more out of the training with the instructor if you have seen the material once before.
Examining the SolidWorks license agreement
It is useful to be familiar with