The new version V1R5.0 is out with many improvements. Thanks to the developers for the efforts to bring this nice CAD-program to Linux, once again.

Let's have a first look on Ubuntu 13.10, 64bit with ia32-libs installed.

1. Download and install with Gdebi fine. Registration works.

2. Next step in my case is to bring shortcuts and other customizations to the new version. I do this copying the application.xml and Classic Default.xml to the new version-folder (be carefull!), as I never understood how customization is meant to work. Those files are inside the hidden /home/.config/draftsight-folder. Ooops. Now this path has changed to /home/.config/DraftSight. Make a copy of the default files before replacing. The files are accepted, so I can open the program and use my shortcuts.

3. Trying to open a drawing from "Ubuntu One"-folder, which synchronizes files with a server. Preview shows drawing correctly, but error message pops up after accept. File can't be found or doesn't exist, as described in iquestion https://swym.3ds.com/#community:70/iquestions:20570 by Paulo Godinho. Moving file to "home" folder solves it. There might be a problem with path names under Linux. In Nautilus File Manager .dwg files are not shown with DraftSight logo, as they were before upgrade. Although, double click opens DraftSight. 

4. Let's have a look at the release notes: "Search in options" is there, integrated iquestions missing (?) on Linux. "Standard Compliant Drawings" and "Quick group" were there, but disappeared after replacing the configuration files. I will have to restore the default version and bring over only my beloved shortcuts and special commands. Mouse gestures work on Ubuntu, also Pan zoom activation with space bar is a nice improvement. Very quick.

5. Details of other improvements from the user's wishlist and bug reports will have to be checked afterwards. But what still doesn't work on Linux is the "setvar" command. Another usefull feature included in the windows version, not available on Linux, is working with external objects. We will have to wait for this untill the next release.

Greetings