"Limitations" of SolidWorks Student Edition 2006-2007???

Any of those files created in the student version WILL NOT be able to be opened in the commercial version and I don't believe you will be able to open commercial version files in the student version. Functionallity wise they would both be the same

The student version is usually one release behind, possibly a half year behind.

So if I have a colleague who has basic parts and assembly files made in an earlier version of 2005, I may not be able to open them in the Student Edition? What about when the student edition "expires" after two years? Are all of the files going to be useless?

I can see why they do it. SW expects you'd come to the student edition with no expertise and by the end of 2 years be ready to make the jump to a professional version. Good for a "typical" commercial scenario, I suppose, but kind of sucks for the casual user.

-Dave

As far as I know, the student software expires after 2 years but the files are still readable. Current version should be based on 2006, so

There is watermarking all over the files so using them for production a bit iffy...

I agree, a bit of a pain for the casual user. I now use this professionally as a freelancer and shelling out £lots for a full,legal license is a bit eye-watering (however as I started out with 98+ in a previous life, this wasn't a leap of faith)

I think SW should do something similar to PTC's Pro/E for Personal use. Costs a bit but not too much for the hobbyist.

snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com wrote:

That is actually release 2006 of SolidWorks - not 2007.

Students can download current release software from this site for free.