When you Restart your computer it’s considered a “warm boot”.  Performing a Shut Down is referred to as a “cold boot”.  During a “warm boot” power to the memory chips is not completely lost as it would be on a “cold boot”.  Therefore, if you want to ensure that memory on your system is completely flushed, Shut down your computer and wait approximately 30 seconds before rebooting.  On a system utilizing SolidWorks, it’s recommended that you perform a cold boot daily.

If you’re looking for a way to help you stand out to potential employers or would like to prove your valuable SolidWorks skills to solidify your current position, check out SolidWorks’ wide range of certification exams.  Here’s a link:  http://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/mcad-certification-programs.htm

The CSWA (Certified SolidWorks Associate) and CSWP (Certified SolidWorks Professional) exams have been offered by SolidWorks for some time as a way for users to certify their expertise.  Increasingly, we are seeing employers listing these certifications as part of the requirements for available positions.  In more recent years, SolidWorks has added further certifications for working with some of the specialized tools in the program, such as Sheet Metal, Weldments, Surfacing, and Mold Tools.  In addition, the Certified SolidWorks Expert (CSWE) was introduced last year.

The cost for the exams varies from $149 for the CSWE, to $99 for the CSWA and CSWP (which can be purchased in three $33 segments), to just $19.95 for the specialized exams (Click here for more info:  https://store6.esellerate.net/store/checkout/CustomLayout.aspx?s=STR6391639620&pc=&page=OnePageCatalog.htm). 

If you’re a current subscription customer, however, you will be allowed to take a CSWA or CSWP certification as well as one of the specialty exams for free!  (check out this link:  http://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/subscription/Certification_Offers.html). 

One note about the CSWE:  SolidWorks does require that you have achieved the CSWP and 3 other specialty certifications before you will be allowed to prove your “expert” skills. 

All certification exams are given online and on your time, so you can download the test and take it on your system whenever you feel ready.  When you pass, you’ll receive a printable certificate as well as logos to use on business cards or emails and you also have the option to have your name added to SolidWorks’ directory of certified users (https://www.virtualtester.com/solidworks/branding/user-portal/user-portal.html#).

So what do you need to know before taking on one of these exams?  SolidWorks’ website does a pretty good job of highlighting what is included in each exam, but I can also give you a couple pointers: 

• Take the sample test
  • Most exams offer a sample test to help you prepare and recognize if there might be some areas you want to brush up on…

• Review your training course manuals
  • All of the skills that you will be tested on are included in the training course manuals that SolidWorks provides us to train you to be proficient users of the program.  I’ve even noticed questions on some of the exams could have practically been taken right from the book!  If you have any questions about what courses would be recommended for any of the certification exams, contact our tech support team and we’ll help guide you. (support@symsolutions.com or (763)560-8600 option 4)

• When taking the test, plan ahead
  •  Look over all the questions in a segment of the test before you start your model.   Generally, the same model is used for several questions.  If you build your design intent appropriately into the model from the start so it can be easily changed, it will make your life a lot easier

Good Luck!

Rebekah Haag 

In Windows 7 you can pin programs to your taskbar for easier access.  One tip is to make sure you are pinning the program to the taskbar and not a shortcut.  That way, when the program is launched you won’t end up with duplicate icons on the task bar.  The easiest way to do this is to launch the program, right-click on its icon in the task bar, and choose “Pin this program to taskbar”.  Then when you close the program, the icon will remain and you can use it to open the application at any time.

Now’s your chance to make your mark on the next release of SolidWorks.  The SolidWorks 2011 Beta program is available to any of our subscription service customers.  Not only can you download and preview the upcoming release while participating in the program, you get rewarded for identifying any problems and requesting additional functionality.

Check out these links for more information:

SolidWorks Beta and Pre-Release Programs

SolidWorks Beta Contests

SolidWorks Beta Prizes

One frequent request that comes across my desk, is how to perform a clean uninstallation of SolidWorks.  SolidWorks installs too many locations on a user’s local disk drive.  When a user uninstalls SolidWorks, a lot of these folders are retained on the system and you can end up with unnecessary or duplicate folders.  Also, at times a SolidWorks installation can become corrupt and it may be necessary to completely wipe SolidWorks from the systems registry and start fresh.