Wiley SolidWorks 2011 Parts Bible 978-1-1180-0275-9 Manuel D’Utilisation

n SolidWorks, you build 3D parts from a series of simple 2D sketches and 

features such as extrude, revolve, fillets, cuts, and holes, among others. 

You can then create 2D drawings from the 3D parts and assemblies.

This chapter will familiarize you with some of the tools available to make 

the transition to SolidWorks, and with some of the basic facts and concepts 

that you need to know to get the most out of the software.

If you want to start using the software without learning about how or why it 

works, you can skip directly to Chapter 3 for sketches or Chapter 4 to start 

making simple parts, assemblies, and drawings. Of course, I recommend you 

get a bit of background and some foundation first.

Some of you will have SolidWorks installed for you by people in your com-

pany or by SolidWorks reseller experts, and some of you will do the installa-

tion on your own. Regardless, it is best to make sure that your hardware and 

software are compatible with the SolidWorks system requirements, avail-

able on the SolidWorks Web site at 

www.solidworks.com/sw/support/

SystemRequirements.html

.

SolidWorks installs natively on both 32- and 64-bit operating systems. It is 

only supported for Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7. In all cases, the pro-

fessional-level OS is recommended. Although, it is possible to install and run 

SolidWorks under Parallels and Boot Camp on Apple hardware, that configu-

ration is not supported or tested by SolidWorks Corporation or its resellers.

You can find video card requirements at the above link for system require-

ments. The main concern with a video card for SolidWorks is that it be 

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