 |  AutoCAD 2004 Instructor: A Student Guide to Complete Coverage of AutoCAD's Commands and Features James A. Leach,
University of Louisville
Book PrefaceABOUT THIS BOOKThis Book Is Your AutoCAD 2004 Instructor
The objective of AutoCAD 2004 Instructor is to provide you the best possible printed medium for learning
AutoCAD, whether you are a professional or student learning AutoCAD on your own or whether you
are attending an instructor-led course.
Complete Coverage
AutoCAD 2004 Instructor is written to instruct you in the full range of AutoCAD 2004 features. All com-mands,
system variables, and features within AutoCAD are covered. This text can be used for a two-,
three-, or four-course sequence.
Graphically Oriented
Because AutoCAD 2004 Instructor discusses concepts that are graphical by nature, many illustrations
(approximately 1550) are used to communicate the concepts, commands, and applications.
Pedagogical Progression
AutoCAD 2004 Instructor is presented in a pedagogical format by delivering the fundamental concepts
first, then moving toward the more advanced and specialized features of AutoCAD. The book begins
with small pieces of information explained in a simple form and then builds on that experience to
deliver more complex ideas, requiring a synthesis of earlier concepts. The chapter exercises follow the
same progression, beginning with a simple tutorial approach and ending with more challenging prob-lems
requiring a synthesis of earlier exercises.
Easy Update from AutoCAD 2000 and AutoCAD 2002
AutoCAD 2004 Instructor is helpful if you are already an AutoCAD user but are updating from AutoCAD
2000 or 2002. All new commands, concepts, features, and variables are denoted on the edges of the pages
by a vertical “2002” bar (denoting an update since 2000) or a “2004” bar (denoting an update since 2002).
Important “Tips”
Tips, reminders, notes, and cautions are given in the book and denoted by a “TIP!” (light bulb) icon.
This feature helps you identify and remember important concepts, commands, procedures, and tricks
used by professionals that would otherwise be discovered only after much experience.
Valuable Reference Guide
AutoCAD 2004 Instructor is structured to be used as a reference guide to AutoCAD. Several important
tables, lists, and variable settings are “tabbed” on the edge of the page for easy access. Every command
throughout the book is given with a “command table” listing the possible methods of invoking the
command. A complete index gives an alphabetical listing of all AutoCAD commands, command
options, system variables, and concepts discussed.
For Professionals and Students in Diverse Areas
AutoCAD 2004 Instructor is written for professionals and students in the fields of engineering, architec-ture,
design, construction, manufacturing, and any other field that has a use for AutoCAD. Applications
and examples from many fields are given throughout the text. The applications and examples are not
intended to have an inclination toward one particular field. Instead, applications to a particular field are
used when they best explain an idea or use of a command.
www.mhhe.com/leach
Please visit our web page at the above address. Ancillary materials are available for reading or down-load.
Questions for each chapter (25 true-false, multiple choice, and written answer) are available for
review and testing. Over 400 drawing problems specifically for architectural, mechanical engineering,
civil, and electrical applications are available. Solutions for drawing problems and questions can be
downloaded by requesting a password from your McGraw-Hill representative.
Additional Chapters
Chapter 45, Menu Customization, Chapter 46, CAD Management, and Chapter 47, Express Tools and
Batch Plotting, are available free at www.mhhe.com/leach.Have Fun
I predict you will have a positive experience learning AutoCAD. Although learning AutoCAD is not a
trivial endeavor, you will have fun learning this exciting technology. In fact, I predict that more than
once in your learning experience you will say to yourself, “Cool!” (or something to that effect).
James A. Leach |
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2004 McGraw-Hill Higher Education