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Comparing different types of 3D surfaces

Comparing different types of 3D surfaces: Rhino 5 Essential Training
Comparing different types of 3D surfaces: Rhino 5 Essential Training

Join for an in-depth discussion in this video Comparing different types of 3D surfaces, part of Rhino 5 Essential Training.

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Skill Level Beginner
7h 10m
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Q: Can I use this course if I am running Rhino for Mac?

A: Yes and no. The Mac version is currently in beta, so there are features and commands missing--or just different. In addition, the interface will look quite different from what you will see in this course. There are also fundamental differences in the two operating systems, so accessing commands will also vary. Finally, you will need a two-button mouse, because most commands have right-click options. However, that being said, the majority of the conceptual information will be the same, although the functionality of the application will be quite different. Additionally, it should be mentioned that the 3Dconnexion SpaceNavigator 3D controller mentioned in this course will not work with the Mac version of Rhino, only the Windows version.

Q: What can I do if I have a Mac and want to learn Rhino?

A: Actually, you have several great options. First, if you want to get the maximum performance out of Rhino, Boot Camp is the way to go. Boot Camp lets you to install Windows on your Mac, essentially allowing you to turn on your computer and use Windows instead of Mac OS X. You don't have to get rid of Mac OS X; you can switch between the two every time you boot up. So this can be a great option, because it's like having two computers in one. Additionally, this method allows for the absolute fastest performance and gets the most out of your computer's power. If you plan on doing projects that are quite complex or graphically intensive, this will be your best bet. The only downside to this method is that since you are booting into Windows, you will need to own a copy of Windows 7 or 8, and you won't be able to run any Mac applications during your time using Boot Camp--you'll have to shut down your computer and reboot into Mac OS X.
 
The second option will be to use a virtualization method such as VMware's Fusion or Parallels Desktop, both of which allow you to run Windows inside Mac OS X. There are both pros and cons with this method of running Windows, and subsequently Rhino. First, you won't have to turn off your machine or log out of Mac OS X to use Windows or Rhino, and in many cases, this is a huge advantage. The disadvantage, however, is that because you are essentially trying to run one operating system inside another, Windows won't perform as well as it will in Boot Camp. The performance difference may not be noticeable for you depending on the complexity of your models, but it is something to keep in mind as you start to build more complex projects.

Finally, Rhino can also run exceptionally well on older PCs and laptops, even if they are five years old or older. If you have a used computer (or can find one), you can spend a long time learning before you will ever need to upgrade your hardware.

Q: What if I can't afford a retail copy of Rhino? What now?

A: If you are a full- or part-time college student (or work for an educational institution), you qualify for educational software discounts. Rhino retails for almost $1,000, but you can buy a full version for as low as $138 if you are student or educator. To qualify, all they need is a scan of your student ID--or some paperwork like a report card or pay stub.

Finally, you can download a free trial version of the Rhino PC version. Rather than expiring after a certain number of days, the Rhino trial expires after twenty-five saves, which means you can use it for the entire course as long as you avoid saving as you go.

Q: Why are the exercise files for chapters 1 and 2 different from the exercise files for chapters 3 - 15?

A: For chapters 1 and 2, there is a single project for each chapter.  In each of these projects, you'll find a layer for each video in the chapter.  For example, for the first video in chapter 2 (02_01), you'll see layer 02_01.  For video 02_02, just close layer 02_01 and switch to layer 02_02.
 
For chapters 3 -15, you'll simply open the individual project for each video. For example, 03_01 and 03_02 each have their own files. There's no need to switch layers.

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