Home renovation software

[Tiger]

Hey all,

Have just bought the Better Homes and Gardens latest issue with its try it and see software for home improvement, only problem is that it requires a graphics card of at least 32mb whereas my computer only has 16mb. Rather than go out and buy another graphics card which will cost around $90 to run this software, has anyone got any free software that can be downloaded.

On the subject of software, has anyone found any free software on cutting lists for woodwork on the net?

[Tools]

What is it this renovation software is supposed to do?

Tools

[Auspiciousdna]

When helped, thanks would be a good way to ensure further assistance, try your search engine!

[Tiger]

It is designed to allow you to scan in your home or garden and try out different color schemes as well as other renovation ideas to see what they look like before you actually do them.

[Tiger]

When helped, thanks would be a good way to ensure further assistance, try your search engine!

Who are you directing this too?

[Wassy]

G'day Tiger,

I once downloaded some similar software from www.tucows.com

haven't looked for a while myself but should be worth a go.

Cheers,
Mat

[duckman]

Hey all,

Have just bought the Better Homes and Gardens latest issue with its try it and see software for home improvement, only problem is that it requires a graphics card of at least 32mb whereas my computer only has 16mb. Rather than go out and buy another graphics card which will cost around $90 to run this software, has anyone got any free software that can be downloaded.

On the subject of software, has anyone found any free software on cutting lists for woodwork on the net?

In the unlikely event that it's still possible to buy new video cards with only 32MB of ram, the cost wouldn't even come close to $90.00. For that money you can buy a new card with 128MB ram on it.

Check out the prices at http://www.cpl.net.au and the Green Guide or once you know the exact model card you want, you can use this website to help you locate a very good price. http://www.staticice.com.au/index.html

If you only want a card that is the bare minimum for that software, a swap meet is your best bet and I would advise you to not spend more than $10.00 and even that is top money for such a card.

HTH,

Mark.

[Tiger]

Hi Mark,

The card needed was a GeForce 2MX Video card with 32MB if RAM. I rang Dick Smith and quoted those specs and was told $90. Guess I should upgrade my computer but there's so many tools I need first.....

[duckman]

Hi Mark,

The card needed was a GeForce 2MX Video card with 32MB if RAM. I rang Dick Smith and quoted those specs and was told $90. Guess I should upgrade my computer but there's so many tools I need first.....

$90.00? Ouch! :eek:

Dick Smith isn't the cheapest place around but I love their satisfaction guarantees and warranty replacement services.

CPL or MSY are probably the two cheapest places around Melbourne, but don't try to ring MSY. There, English is a third language at best. Use email.

If you prefer a swap meet then this is the next big one.

Malvern Town Hall, held on the 1st Sunday of most months.
The next Malvern Swap Meet will be held on: 2nd October 2005 Entry $3.00 inc. GST

[nt900]

Hi Tiger,

Did you try to install and run it on your 16mb machine anyway?

[Tiger]

Hi Anthony,

I did try and install it and a message came back saying something along the lines of failing the diagnostics.

[duckman]

Hi Anthony,

I did try and install it and a message came back saying something along the lines of failing the diagnostics.

Being of a curious nature, I had to try this myself.

I bought the mag and installed the software and the diagnostics tell me that my current card/driver combo fails on one of the Direct X tests.

Downloading and installing the latest Direct X software from MS hasn't helped and my card at 6 years of age hasn't been supported by its manufacturer for a few years and so the latest drivers for it, are just over 3 years old.

Looks like I can't run the program either.

Given the fact the Autocad 2000, that's the full Autocad NOT Autocad LT or Autosketch runs just fine on this, admittedly ancient PC, this 'freebie' program from the mag. cover would want to be something special to warrant both the hardware and software(driver) requirements, IMO. :mad:

One thing to consider, Tiger and that is, if you do go shopping for a card with only 32MB of ram on it, then owing to its technological age, you may have trouble finding suitable drivers for it. :eek:

Let's know how you get on...

[duckman]

I've down some more research on this topic and come up with the following.

There is a free support forum located here.

http://www.myvirtualhome.com.au/appl...hp#SupportForm

and there is a thread about the program over on Whirlpool. No tech. information but the tech heads there might be able to help if the support forum can't.

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum...s.cfm?t=401706

A bloke claiming to be the Communications Director for the company, and I've no reason to believe that he isn't what he claims, has also posted in that thread.

Tiger, you might like to take a look at both the support forum and Whirlpool before parting with any of your hard earned cash.

HTH,

Mark.

[MathewA]

You could try downloads.com or tucows.com and search for home improvements.

[MathewA]

When helped, thanks would be a good way to ensure further assistance, try your search engine!

What was the point of that comment!?!?