From Fab Lab Wiki - by NMÍ Kvikan
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| The Software Portal
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| Software is the collection of programs and related data that instruct a computer. Generally, the software used in fab labs are design software - drawing or computation programs - and differ by lab. While professional or commercial software can be used with the machines, open source software and cross platform is the most shareable resource.
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STARTER SETUP
If you're just starting out or outfitting a new computer, the preferred minimum setup is based on all freely available cross-platform software. This means the greatest likelihood of direct design sharing and the largest population of people able to help out where there's a problem.
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- The open source operating system Ubuntu is preferred, though all software listed in this section are cross-platform.
- Python - a programming language on which many of these programs are based. Is usually bundled with Ubuntu and MacOS
- Fab Modules - an important piece of software that allows nearly any digital file to be sent to nearly any machine
- Open Office or Libre Office - writer, calc (spreadsheets), impress (presentations), draw, math and base
Design:
- Blender - 3D design
- Gimp - image drawing and manipulation
- Inkscape - vector drawing and manipulation
Electronics:
- Eagle - electronics circuits design and layout
- Avrdude - software programming for Atmel processors
Programming
- Scratch - a graphical a programming language
Fab Labs Collaboration
- Fab Labs Videoconferencing clients: Polycom V500, Tandberg Conference Me (windows only), Ekiga, Xmeeting. TightVNC for remote desktop.
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KEEPING YOUR LAB UP TO DATE
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Software is continually updated.
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EXTENDED CAPABILITIES
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- Arduino - an open-source electronics prototyping platform
- OpenSCAD -Solid 3D CAD Modeller
In addition to the programs above, many labs use commercial or manufacturer proprietary programs for design or manufacturing. You might find collaborators who are using these programs.
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