AutoCAD Software Package

AutoCAD SchoolBox has Designs for the Classroom; New Customized Package Introduces Students to Computer-Aided Design

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 4, 1995--A new, customized package of the world's most popular computer-aided design software is providing the software and curriculum resources educators need to introduce middle and high school students to the technical knowledge necessary for a skilled workforce.

Autodesk Inc.'s AutoCAD(R) SchoolBox designed for middle- and high-school classrooms, combines AutoCAD (see note A) Release 12 for Windows with a set of classroom exercises. In addition, a Bonus Pack, introduced today and available free to educators purchasing AutoCAD SchoolBox, provides an array of curriculum resources including: -0-

-- A videotape featuring successful classroom programs

-- Detailed product demonstration disks

-- A sample course overview and hands-on exercise guide

-- A subscription to Autodesk's education newsletter and the CompuServe(R) on-line service

-- Reference resources: Command Reference manual, User's Guide, Tutorial -0-

AutoCAD SchoolBox is available through Authorized Autodesk Area Education Representatives (AERs), a dealer channel dedicated to serve the education community, for a suggested retail price of US$595 per license, an 85 percent discount over the commercial price of AutoCAD software. -0-

(Note A) U.S. News & World Report named CAD the number one business tool of 1994. -0-

"I'm trying to be a guide on the side, not a sage on the stage," said Pat Vernon, an educator at Pennsylvania-based State College Area High School who has used Autodesk products in his classroom. "AutoCAD is a tool for provoking my students' imaginations and solving real-world problems. Now when the bell rings, no one gets up and leaves -- everyone just stays and works."

Students in Vernon's classroom have used AutoCAD software to plan dormitory rooms, design stage sets, and map a Norwegian valley. Other educators concur that using software tools such as AutoCAD teaches students problem solving, an important approach to learning. Their classroom projects have included modeling historic buildings, simulating the effects of a solar eclipse, and designing products such as kneepads.

"The early introduction of computer-aided design to students stimulates their imaginations and equips them for productive working lives," said Jim Purcell, director of Autodesk's Education department. "AutoCAD SchoolBox provides students access to the world's leading CAD package, and the Bonus Pack gives educators curriculum resources at an affordable price to help them in their roles as teachers."

AutoCAD SchoolBox is the latest offering from the education department, a group of 28 professionals dedicated to providing the software and services that prepare individuals for careers in design. Recognizing that educator and student needs are different from those of commercial users, Autodesk Education offers special packages and prices to educational institutions, faculty, and students, and trains users through its network of Autodesk Training Centers worldwide.

While AutoCAD SchoolBox is aimed at providing middle- and high-school students an introduction to computer-aided design, the AutoCAD Release 13 Education Special Edition gives advanced students preparing for design careers access to a comprehensive set of design tools including the latest version of AutoCAD as well as AutoVision(TM) and AutoCAD(R) Designer.

System Requirements

IBM or compatible personal computer with 80386/486 microprocessor and 80387/487 math coprocessor; Microsoft Windows(R) 3.1 and MS-DOS(R) 3.31 or higher; 8MB RAM; 8MB minimum hard-disk space; and Windows-supported VGA monitor and pointing device.

AutoCAD SchoolBox is available through an AER. AERs will work with customers to develop a complete program that meets the needs of both teachers and students. AutoCAD SchoolBox is available exclusively to educational institutions. To locate an AER, customers can call Autodesk at 800/964-6432.

About Autodesk

Autodesk is the world's leading supplier of design automation software and the fifth-largest PC software company. The company develops, markets, and supports a family of design automation and professional media software, and component technologies for use on personal computers and workstations. A global company since its founding in 1982, Autodesk markets products in 118 countries and 18 languages. Autodesk shares are traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol ACAD. For more information, please call 415/507-5000 or type GO ADESK on CompuServe. -0-

Note to Editors: Autodesk, the Autodesk logo, and AutoCAD are registered trademarks, and AutoVision is a trademark of Autodesk, Inc. CompuServe is a registered trademark of H & R Block, Windows and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

CONTACT: Autodesk, Inc.

Carrie Bustillos, 415/507-6415