Autodesk’s AutoCAD 2009 based service packs, the “big” between release bug fixes, are out. This time they have been re-branded from Service Packs to Product Updates.
What’s in a name, apart from confusion?
To me a Service Pack fixes things while Product Update implies some sort of new/improved/updated functionality. From the read-me it appears these Product Updates just fix things. However for AutoCAD subscription users there are also some new, I’m having a pre-subscription VIP program déjà vu moment here, “Bonus Packs” which do add new & improved functionality.
It’s kind of amusing that the file-naming hasn’t matched the marketing change as I’m currently down-loading aca2009sp1.exe, autocad2009lockedsp1.exe, ars2009sp1.exe (amep). SP1 for Service Pack 1 by any chance?
Adding to the confusion over in Revit’ville there are no Service Packs or Product Updates as they have Web Update Enhancements. In spite of that name they only update Revit not the entire interweb.
Autodesk, couldn’t you just settle on one name for these things? I’d suggest; “Bug Fix”.
What’s in an Update?
U’mm, I’ll get back to you on that. I couldn’t try the AutoCAD update (only run verticals) and didn’t even know the ACA/MEP ones were coming so can’t offer much advice. Whatever they are called it’s best to test them before inflicting on your production world in case a fix for one thing breaks another. Also be sure to really read the read-me, especially for AutoCAD partial CUI/Ribbon junkies.
You can get updates via the Subscription Site, or the Services & Support>Data & Download>Updates & Service Packs section of the respective product pages;
- http://www.autodesk.com/autocad
- http://www.autodesk.com/autocadarchitecture
- http://www.autodesk.com/revit
- http://www.autodesk.com/revitmep
- http://www.autodesk.com/revitstructure
UPDATE 2008–07–26: I just found similar comment on this thread on the AutoCAD Discussion Group
