Homebrew PCBs

FINALLY!

Somthing I can talk about that I actually know about! (this is 
somewhat a joke between me and Stefan - he knows my abilities).

Livewire is cute and cheap. It is fun to play with to layout a very 
basic circuit and see what happens when you press the "power" 
button.  It is also handy for making a quick schematic that looks 
pretty good.  Even though I am an absolute beginner with 
electronics, I have already ran into limitations with the 
software....

It only has a handful of components.  In nearly every case so far of 
using the software, I have had to "Fudge" in something to replace 
what should be a chip or some other device.  This could be ignorance 
on my part, but, it may not be either.  I would STRONGLY suggest 
downloading the demo and give it a test drive.  Depending on the 
types of circuits you are working with, the included components may 
be more than adequate.  

I only have the PCB Wizard demo package and am considering buying 
it, but frankly, I am leaning strongly towards one of the free 
packages by the many circuit board manufacturers - they are very 
capable.

For learning, Livewire is a very good tool to help me understand 
where the electricity is flowing and what it is doing.  It has been 
a very helpful tool to get me through some of the more basic stuff 
that I have a hard time understanding.  I think I paid $50.00 for it 
and it was well worth it based on what I learned from it so far.  
But, if you already understand the basics, it may be $50.00 down the 
toilet.

hope this helps a little!

Chris