Install Key for Windows and Software

[andrew]

Hey Guys,
This is purely here so everyone knows that this is possible. But I've been working on a installer for Windows 7 and some of the software all machines should have. I'm still not 100% done but I'm almost there.

What this means is that we can easily format a computer and install everything required in less then an 2 hour with minimal interaction with the system. (there is a few "Next >" screens that require clicks).

I'm not sure where the key will live as of yet but most likely I will give it to @logan to file away in a safe place.

Here is a list of what gets installed:

• Windows 7
• Google Chrome
• 7-ZIP
• GIMP
• Inkscape
• Microsoft Essentials (Antivirus)
• Malwarebytes (anti spyware)
• LibreOffice (Similar to Microsoft Office)
• Notepad++
• Putty
• VLC Player
• Autodesk 123D Mashmixer
• Autodesk 123D Maker
• Autodesk 123D Designer
• CorelDRAW Suite X7
• Sketch up

All software installed is trail software and it will require you to enter serial numbers which YuKonstruct can provide.

WARNING: When installing windows onto a system, if the network card drivers are missing, most of this software install will fail and will have to be manually installed.

If you want to see something else added (or removed) from this image or you have other ideas, please let me know here.

[andrew]

Also, whoever is setting up the system, you will still have to create an normal user (non-admin user).

[Allison]

What about AutoCAD?

It might not always be necessary on all machines, but we've got an AutoCAD workshop coming up at the end of May.

[Lloyd_CF]

If we're going to install office software, While they're both free, and solid replacements for Microsoft, I have a personal preference towards OpenOffice vs LibreOffice. I like the UI better, and OpenOffice is the source for the LibreOffice code ayway.

Will we be installing AutoCAD? And possibly some other Autodesk software, like Inventor, 3DS Max, or Maya, on some of the higher spec computers?

[Lloyd_CF]

In terms of open source software forks, there's also other options for GIMP. GIMPShop, http://www.gimpshop.com/opensource/ it essentially is a version of GIMP tweaked to allow an easier transition from photoshop.

Oh, and we should also have some PDF options available. At the very minimum, creation and viewing. I've always used CutePDF for PDF creation, but there are other options available, as for viewing and/or manipulation there's obviously Adobe Acrobat Reader,

[andrew]

All good ideas. Which would we like to actually implement? I don't want to include anything that wouldn't be on all machines by default. AutoCAD probably isn't something we'd need on all the PCs. They can be manually added on the PCs for the workshop.
I can switch to open office and others but that will have to wait till I'm back from BC (and maybe after Alessia leaves, we'll see).

[Lloyd_CF]

Hmm, I actually think AutoCAD should be on all machines by default. That being said we don't have enough licences for Corel Draw to be on ask the machines.

[dan]

I recommend http://www.irfanview.com/ for a graphics viewer.

[mac]

Maybe we could get 3 more Ed licenses - I think it was $90 - may be worthwhile?

[andrew]

I think 3 more Corels would be a great idea.

[Allison]

Agreed.
We frequently have multiple people wanting to work on Corel Draw at the same time, and having more licenses means it would be easier to offer a Corel Draw workshop.

[JoshTW]

I think smath should be a standard program. It is like mathCAD but free. I find it very useful when doing any math and I especially like how well it handles units. This page shows how it can keep track of units and automatically convert them. http://smath.info/wiki/Units.ashx I have found it quite easy to use because it does the math on what you see. The download link can be found at http://en.smath.info/forum/yaf_topics12_Download-SMath-Studio.aspx

[andrew]

@JoshTW That's a good idea. I'd like to hear what others think of adding SMath to our systems.
Anyone?