Google SketchUp

Image via CrunchBaseBy The Computer Doctor

Some of you may be wondering, "where did you get those sweet plans for the server rack?". Well I have to give credit to Jeremiah Duke for mentioning the Google SketchUp program in his video about making his own server rack.

The Google SketchUp program has a free as well as professional version and is a full featured CAD program that is fairly intuitive. I just looked up the actual dimensions of lumber that I was going to use, then I drew lines to the size making 3D boxes which the program then interpreted as solid objects. Finally after making multiple revisions I came up with a model that is made exclusively out of 2x4 lumber with the exception of some 3/4 inch plywood and caster wheels.

See this video for an idea on how easy it actually is to make 3D CAD models for your next project.

Related articles

• 5 Free Tutorial Websites To Improve Your Google SketchUp & 3D Design Skills (makeuseof.com)
• Design & Build 3D Virtual Buildings & Objects With Google SketchUp (makeuseof.com)

Academy Ware

After developing dozens of stand alone databases over the past three years I finally took the plunge and have developed a student management solutions package for an intended audience of private schools.

I would like to thank my fiance and my best friend and fellow contractor for their support over the past year while developing this database.

The basis behind this database is modularity. My theory behind developing databases was always to give the users freedom to add content to the databases to give them as much freedom as possible. This database covers registration, student id badges, class electives, classroom setup, grade books, attendance, report cards, parent teacher conferences, honor roll, and database backup.

Perhaps in an update to this software I will also incorporate a lesson planner and itinerary report generator.

Academy Ware from Computer Doctor on Vimeo.