I have to use AutoCAD in school. What should I do? (piefed.social)

submitted 4 days ago by XiELEd@piefed.social to c/linux4noobs@programming.dev

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In two days I would need AutoCAD installed for my course. It is common knowledge that AutoCAD doesn't work on Linux, even with Wine. I've been looking around for threads but it seems like knowledge and experience with this is fragmented. Also, I would prefer not using the web version as the WiFi is spotty in my university.

For example, would AutoCAD even work on a VM? I heard that some apps won't even run on a VM.

Is Windows capable of deleting my Linux partition from within a VM? I apologize for my lack of experience regarding this matter.

What VM is better to use? I think I would prefer one that saves files, I think.

Should I even bother with a VM or should I just use an old laptop? Do note that my old laptop is a budget laptop and I don't know how demanding AutoCAD can be.

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[-] qjkxbmwvz@startrek.website 5 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

Does you school library lend out laptops for this sort of thing? Or, can you remote into a library/lab computer for this?

I would definitely opt for a dedicated machine, running the recommended OS, no VM, as others in this thread have said. It's one thing if it's for a homelab, but for coursework...not what I'd be comfortable with.

this post was submitted on 12 Feb 2026

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