Upgrading from UNIX to Windows and Issues Related to UNIX Software

Can I upgrade from the Sun Solaris (UNIX) version to Windows?

Yes. Most AMT Software customers have migrated from Sun Solaris, SGI IRIX, HP/HP-UX to Windows. If you have extensive customization that replies on UNIX-specific technology (e.g. UNIX shell scripts) please contact your AMT Software representative to discuss the technical aspects of migrating to the Windows platform.

Is there a fee to upgrade to Windows from UNIX?

If you are supported UNIX customer, you can upgrade from UNIX to Windows at no cost. If you do not have a UNIX maintenance contract, then you will incur licensing fees to migrate to Windows. Contact your AMT Software representative to discuss your particular situation.

My Sun workstation died and I need to transfer the license to a replacement. Is this possible?

Yes. If your company has a software support contract you may transfer a license from one computer to another at no charge. If your license is not on support, there is an off-support license transfer fee assessed to transfer the license. Contact your AMT Software representative for information on this process and how to proceed.

Are the UNIX scripting commands like 'awk', 'grep', 'sed' available on Windows?

AMT Software does not distribute these programs with AMT Software applications. There are 3rd party providers of these programs such as http://unxutils.sourceforge.net/ These programs may or may not work the same as on UNIX. You will have to experiment with them to see how well they work with your custom macros and scripts.

The AutoCAD translators acad2ddd and ddd2acad will not run on my workstation. What's wrong?

The binary format for the AutoCAD translators - acad2ddd and ddd2acad - are compiled differently than the other software components. These binaries will work only on SPARC V8 or later microprocessor architectures. Your workstation is likely a V7 architecture (the original SPARC design) and is therefore not compatible. The UNIX command 'isalist' will tell you exactly what architecture your system was designed around. Your only alternative is to upgrade to a newer workstation which is a V8 or later design.

Are drawings created on the UNIX platform compatible with Windows?

Yes. All data files saved on UNIX-based software are 100% binary compatible with the Windows software. Simply copy the data files from your UNIX computer to your Windows computer. If you are using ftp to copy the files, don't forget to use the 'binary' option in the ftp program.

I have custom CIM CAD font files. Will they work with ExpertCAD on Windows?

Yes. Custom stroked font files are ASCII (text) files. Copy your custom font file(s) from your UNIX computer to the ExpertCAD fonts installation directory on the Windows computer.

If I have problems migrating from UNIX to Windows, is there technical assistance available?

Yes. Often times your customer service representative can help you right over the phone with simple problems and solutions at no charge. More detailed problems and/or custom programming solutions are offered on a for-fee basis.

I plan on having a mixed network of UNIX and Windows computers. Can they share drawings?

No. More than likely the Windows verson of ExpertCAD writes a newer file format than UNIX therefore the UNIX users would not be able to read drawings created by Windows users. As explained before, Windows versions of the software can edit drawings created on UNIX.

All my drawings are in UNIX compressed form (.Z). Will these read into the Windows version?

No. You must uncompress the drawings before transferring them to a Windows computer. Usually a simple UNIX shell script like this can be used to uncompress the drawings. Call your customer service representative if you need assistance. If you copy compressed files from UNIX to Windows, you can use programs like WinZip or WinRar to uncompress the files.

Can I use my post processors developed with CIM POST with the Windows version?

Yes. Copy the post processor configuration file, event and macro files (if any) to the Windows computer putting them into the directory structure for the program data.

I have custom executable post processors on UNIX. Will these work on Windows?

No. Binary executable code from any UNIX workstation is not compatible with Windows x86/x64 computers. These post processors will need to be ported (recompiled for x86/x64) in order to use them on Windows. Contact your customer service representative for details.

Will my Sun Solaris software install and run on the Solaris x86 (Intel) version of Solaris?

No. Only the SPARC microprocessor architecture is supported. Solaris for x86 (Intel and Intel-compatible) computers is not compatible because it uses an entirely different instruction set. The Solaris for x86 is no longer supported by Oracle and is no longer available.