3D software.

What is the go with 3D software these days? I remember is used to be dear as poison.

 

like, rendering 3d, 3d games, or hardware to support....?

 

I'm not sure what you're asking exactly either, what 3D software is out there..?
Off the top of my head, there is Alias Maya, 3DS MAX, Lightwave, XSI, Cinema 4D, Rhino, Silo, Modo, ZBrush, Blender, Wings, etc.. Those are just the ones worth mentioning.

 

SoullessChaos mentioned most of the good programs. Bryce is another good 3D rendering app. It focuses on rendering 3D landscapes. Here's a few more that are all free

3Delight Free - http://www.3delight.com/index.htm
Anim8or - http://www.anim8or.com/
Aqsis - http://www.aqsis.com/
Blender - http://www.blender3d.org/
gmax - http://www.discreet.com/products/gmax/
Houdini (Free Edition) - http://www.sidefx.com/apprentice/index.html
Maya Personal Learning Ed. - http://www.alias.com/eng/products-services..._maya_ple.shtml
Now3D - http://digilander.libero.it/giulios/Eng/homepage.htm
OpenFX - http://www.openfx.org
SOFTIMAGE|XSI EXP - http://www.softimage.com/products/exp/v3/
Terragen - http://www.planetside.co.uk/terragen/
Toxic - http://www.toxicengine.org/
Wings 3D - http://www.wings3d.com/

 

I wanted to produce 3D diagrams of the wiring looms of my van showing where all the wires go.It would be something similar to what an architect would use.

 

Oh, so something more CAD oriented.. Hmm.. I don't know any off hand, but there are a few freeware cad programs..

 

like Autocad?....

[software costs money?]

 

i remember using autocad in high school. it was so cool the things you could do with it.

 

.

 

AutoCAD costs about $3,000 for the 'lite' version. I know this because my dad uses the 'full' version. Not to mention I have done some engineering work for him. I took classes in high school and college.

Linux has numerous free CAD programs available.

 

The linux CAD programs aren't to standard. even the ones (i've seen) that aren't free still are no good.

Autocad is your best bet.

 

I use Maya. It can be daunting because of how much can be done with it. I have also used 3D Studio Max. I find it to be a little "clicky"...meaning you have to mouse click much more to get things done. But, 3DS Max has much more 3rd Party software written for it.

Lightwave is used to create Jimmy Neutron. It has a nice look to it. Many swear by it's modeling tools.

Softimage is still around but not as prominant.

Some good web sites are:
www.highend3d.com
www.cgchannel.com
www.3dcafe.com

 

AutoCAD is actually developed on Unix/Linux systems. AutoDesk just doesn't offer a Unix/Linux version at the moment. I read that AutoDesk plans to release AutoCAD for Linux/Unix in a few years.