Computer-aided design/drafting on personal computers

In the past few years, Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) capabilities have become available on personal computer systems. The popularity of personal computer-based (PC-based) CAD is not only due to low cost but also ease of use; improved accuracy over manual drafting; cleaner, more professional output; and the ease of making changes, all of which aid creative expression. This paper gives a brief overview of typical PC-based CAD hardware and software configurations, how much they cost, the capabilities of such systems, and a discussion of points to consider in selecting a PC-based software package.