AutoCAD's own Help resources are a good place to start when you have a question. In Chapter 3, I explain how to use Help. You can also try the New Features Workshop, which includes explanations and demonstrations that are related to the new 2010 features. Click the Help (?) button's down arrow (at the right side of the AutoCAD title bar), and choose New Features Workshop.

You're supposed to learn AutoCAD from your dealer. Most dealers offer some training when you purchase AutoCAD. However, the amount of training and follow-up support varies greatly, and so does the price. If you have more than one AutoCAD dealer nearby, check not only the cost of AutoCAD but also the cost of training.

Unlike AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT is often sold online without any training. Keep in mind that AutoCAD LT is not a simple program either, and some training will definitely help you get more out of the program.

Dealers usually offer upgrade seminars and courses when you upgrade. If you're already using AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT, you may be able to take a course that focuses on the new features.

If you're going to use third-party applications that work with AutoCAD or other Autodesk products, check how much experience the dealer has with these products and what kind of support the dealer offers.

Autodesk has an Autodesk Training Center program that certifies trainers. Your dealer may or may not be an Autodesk Training Center; remember to ask. Premier Training Centers offer additional training in certain disciplines, thus offering solutions that are more specialized to their customers.

You may be able to take a course in AutoCAD at a local college or Autodesk Training Center. Many universities and community colleges offer courses in AutoCAD. Such courses may fit your schedule because they're often offered in the evening, over a period of several weeks. Of course, that may not work if you need to get up and running very quickly. I haven't heard of courses on AutoCAD LT. AutoCAD LT courses are less common, but you can check out your local colleges. However, a course on AutoCAD would certainly help you to learn AutoCAD LT.

Autodesk holds a once-a-year conference, called Autodesk University, which offers classes that are taught by top AutoCAD experts. For more information, go to au.autodesk.com.

Autodesk sells short, self-paced courses on both AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. From the Autodesk home page (www.autodesk.com), click Services & Support, and then choose Courseware from the menu. You can find other training-related links under the same menu.

If you are a Subscription member, you have access to special courses. For more information about the Subscription program, go to www.autodesk.comand click Services & Support

If you work in an office with several AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT users, you'll find that they're usually happy to share information and tips with you. This won't generally get you started from scratch, but it's great for rounding out your knowledge.

Cadalyst (www.cadalyst.com) covers AutoCAD as well as other CAD programs. It is published in both print, Web versions, and includes many helpful articles. In addition, Cadalyst has an extensive Web site that I discuss later as a Web resource.

AUGI has a couple of great publications, including AUGIWorld magazine. You can find out more at www.augi.com. A free registration is required. Then click the Publications link.

If you're interested in the CAD industry in general, try Ralph Grabowski's weekly upFront.eZine, which you can subscribe to by sending the e-mail message "subscribe upfront" to [email protected].

I offer a monthly e-mail newsletter, AutoCAD Tips Newsletter. It contains tips, tutorials, and techniques. You can sign up at www.ellenfinkelstein.com.