Recommended Downloads
(version September 16, 2007)
If you know of interesting software and would like to recommend it for this section, please contact us. The software must be free, non-expiring. It must have general audience interest. We prefer to avoid demo products or versions that have features disabled. Contact us in one of the following ways:- in person at the DMS Service Desk on the Second Floor, just past the main elevators
- by telephone, calling (806)742-2245
- by email at
DAZ Studio 1.7 [07-30-2007]
Celestia 3D Space Exploration [07-30-2007]
Bryce 5.5 [07-30-2007]
- [08-01-2007] DAZ Studio 1.7 If you are fond of Poser and your 3D modeling relies on figure creation and figure posing, you will find that this software very useful in your 3D toolbox. Animation is new to this release of DAZ Studio. DAZ Studio works with many of the Poser figures (characters). Windows and Macintosh versions of The 3D Starter Pack and DAZ Studio 1.7 download information is available from http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/software/studio/26b8e499f5c9ca6739e019d77e7af3c8/download. A variety of plug-ins (at cost) are availalbe to extend the features of this product, such as Particle Effects and Finder (content organizer, database). The PDF manual is available as a separate download. A serial number is available free of charge upon registration.
- [07-30-2007] Celestia 3D Space Exploration. You might have your own personal Hubble telescope here. The topic of 3D Space Exploration is one that will reach many of you. Much interesting science here on Earth has come from the discoveries of astronomers. These discoveries had fed research programs, philosophical discussions and movie studios. Amateur astronomers, looking at the photographs obtained by professionals, have made significant observations that the professionals have missed. There are opportunities out there if you look...
When we come across freeware that aids in firing your imagination about 3D and other areas, we like to recommend it for your viewing. The Download button on the Celestia navigation screen will take you the software choices for many operating systems. Right now the Windows version appears to be more complete than the other versions, but they are fully functional and still of great interest. By selecting Navigation | Solar System Browser you get a chance to take a tour of objects many of which you may have never seen: outer planets (exoplanets), comets, asteroids, minor moons of Jupiter or Saturn. The list includes spectacular views of space objects that have no name, such as 2005 (2003 UB313) 1 and many more. This software is usable for many age groups from the very young who will delight in the high quality graphics to the researcher whose specialty has kept him away from taking a closer look at these discoveries. The Related Sites list for this web site also make it of great value. Don't get discouraged by the fact that some of the links are not currently functional. There are many which are, and they will greatly expand your horizons. Numerous add-on software products are listed with download information, and they are free. Some of the resources list how to obtain free 3D models of the planets. Other links point to high resolution graphics. This is a goldmine for future 3D artists, modelers and animators. Add some real space objects to your Sci-Fi film and the audiences will run in to see it. One of the Related Sites links deserves special mention: Selden's List of Resources for Celestia. Take time to explore this link in detail and you will find something for your tastes. This is software that is also fun to share with your family.
- [07-30-2007] Bryce 5.5. Now a part of the DAZ Productions family, Bryce is a tool that you will enjoy playing with. It is one that you can use to get started in working with 3D on a budget.
Bryce used to be owned by Corel Corporation. Under DAZ's ownership the product is enjoying a wide range of support and is stirring up interest. What makes a 3D tool cool for the user community is the availability of models and textures as well as tutorials. When the user community starts to grow, then so do the choices of free models out on the web along with user-contributed tutorials. DAZ has lifted the limits on what can be exported from Bryce making it an excellent design partner to work with your other applications. You will find a great resource for scenery design. You will like the high quality of the renders. If you upgrade to the latest version, it will be due to the unique qualities in the product. DAZ has also gone out of its way to make software in the 3D realm more affordable. This will be appreciated by all new 3D artists and animators. Macintosh and Windows versions are available. Take a look at the DAZ 3D store for Bryce format models. Remember that you can import into Bryce other formats as well. For complete details consult the full manual. Check for product updates on this page as well.
