1. Company Related FAQ:
 

• Who is Knowledge Base?

  Knowledge Base is a professional software development company that specialises in the development of world-class quality software for the engineering and design industries. Our valued customers have always trusted Knowledge Base to deliver the very best in products, services, and support since our inception in 1989. The software is based on years of industry experience in the design office and on site, and is continually being refined to suit the needs and requirements of our users worldwide.
  
  Today we are the leading supplier and developer of completely integrated software solutions in Southern Africa and have thousands of trusted users all over the world.

• How long has Knowledge Base been established?

  Knowledge Base was established in 1989.

• In which countries are your products used?

  South Africa, United Kingdom, USA, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Lesotho, Tanzania, Libya, Germany, Greece, India, Mauritius, Denmark, Angola, Australia, New Zealand, France.

• Who are Knowledge Base’s largest clients?

  The Department of Agriculture, Jeffares & Green, Africon, Kwezi V3 and various Municipalities locally and internationally.

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  2. Sales & Delivery Related FAQ:
 

  2a. GENERAL FAQ

• Can I only get hold of AllyCAD through Knowledge Base?

  Yes, we are the sole supplier of AllyCAD although we may introduce accredited dealers at a later stage in selected countries depending on the demand.

• Why should I insure my software?

  It is important to insure your software, as we are unable to replace the security device if it is stolen. Should you lose or have this stolen, you will need to purchase the program again at its full purchase price subject to the standard multiple copy discount.
  
  If you have just lost the product CD, then we will be happy to replace this at the cost of postage. We will only replace a damaged security device once we have received the original item. You will therefore only be charged for the cost of the dongle.

• Is there a network version of AllyCAD available?

  AllyCAD can be supplied with a network-based hardware device (dongle). The dongle is a special order item which is charged separately and may be supplied for 10, 50 or 250+ users.

  2b. PURCHASE AND PAYMENT FAQ

• How do I go about purchasing AllyCAD?

  To purchase AllyCAD please call (+27 21 701 1850) or click here to purchase on-line.

• What is included in the product purchase price?

  AllyCAD SME and Professional version:
  a.  The latest AllyCAD version on CD
  b.  User Guide
  c.  Reference Manual
  e.  Accelerator key card
  f.  Quick start up guide
  g.  Hardware (dongle) or Software security device
  h.  Upgrade and Support contract for the first year. This includes:

  i.   All updates to the current version downloadable from our website
  ii.  Upgrades to any new versions issued during that time on CD
  iii.  Telephonic, fax and email support

  AllyCAD Micro version:
  a.  The latest AllyCAD version on CD
  b.  User Guide (electronic version only)
  c.  Reference Manual (electronic version only)
  d.  Software security device
  e.  Upgrade and Support contract for the first year. This includes:

  i.   All updates to the current version downloadable from our website
  ii.  Upgrades to any new versions issued during that time on CD
  iii.  Email support only

• When purchasing software from Knowledge Base, what is it that I actually own?

  You own a license to use the software. The software and security device however remain the property of Knowledge Base and you will need to obtain permission in order to transfer the software to a new owner.

• What are the payment options?

  a.  Cash payment
  b.  Three monthly electronic transfers as cash with disk-based security.
  c.  12-month debit order facility charged at prime less 2% with a time based dongle
       that requires reauthorisation every three months.

• What are the terms and conditions of purchasing via debit order?

  Clients will be subject to a credit worthy check, which once cleared, will be issued with a 12 month debit order facility charged at prime less 2% with a time based dongle that will need re-authorisation every three months.

   2c. DELIVERY

• How is the product delivered?

  By courier directly to your home or office.

• How long does delivery take?

  a.  Approximately 1-2 working days in South Africa.
  b.  3 to 4 working days in the UK.
  c.  10+ days elsewhere.

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  3. Product Related FAQ:
 

  3a. GENERAL PRODUCT FAQ

• Who uses AllyCAD?

  AllyCAD is used by a wide range of Engineers, Surveyors, Contractors, Architects, Industrial designers, Manufacturers, Event Management Consultants, Furniture Designers, Property Developers and even Air-conditioning companies.

• How do I know if AllyCAD is right for me?

  You can call us at anytime should you require more detailed information about AllyCAD. We are happy to meet with you in order to assess your needs and will provide you with a full demonstration of the product. Alternatively, we recommend that you download our Freeware version from our AllyCAD website (www.allycad.com).

• Why is AllyCAD preferred over other products in the market?

  a.  Increased Productivity through essential functionality and simplicity in operation.
  b.  AllyCAD is intuitive to use and rated as one of the most user-friendly packages
       on the market.
  c.   It is one of the fastest Windows CAD packages available.
  d.  Construction and geometry lines assist you in creating the design with minimum
       effort.
  e.  The advanced functionality and included toolkits enable you to complete many
       time consuming tasks in a matter of seconds.
  f.   Continuous software innovation makes it possible for you to have the best
       solution available.
  g.  Our customisable sheet files take all the hassle out of the generation of drawings
       and professional title blocks give you the edge on your competition.
  h.  AllyCAD handles both Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere survey
       coordinates.
  i.   It supports multiple large bitmaps such as aerial survey photographs and
       orthophotos with fast redraws.
  j.   It offers full support for the reading and writing of AutoCAD DWG/DXF, Caddie
       CEX, ArcView SHP and ASCII files.
  k.  There is complete integration with GIS systems and output to local authorities is
       offered in the format required.
  l.   It is backed by outstanding customer support and after sales service.
  m. AllyCAD is tried and trusted by thousands of CAD users worldwide.
  n.  It comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.

• How long will it take to learn the product?

  We have clients who are able to draw after using the program for just a couple of hours. Alternatively, you can organise a training session with us for faster learning results. AllyCAD is one of the most user-friendly products on the market.

   3b.VERSIONS

• What is the difference between AllyCAD Freeware, Micro, SME and Pro?

  a.  AllyCAD Freeware – the product may be freely downloaded from our website
       (www.allycad.com) and may be compared to all other versions in functionality
       except in its file size restriction of 150Kb. A Full support service is not included but you
       will be able to download free electronic manuals and free updates to the program and
       you can benefit from interaction with other AllyCAD users and gain support from our
       technical staff via the online forum. Click here to access the forum.
  
  b.  AllyCAD Micro - the product may be purchased for R 3,000.00 ex VAT. It is
       comparable to all other versions in functionality except that the file size is
       restricted to 300Kb. In addition to free electronic manuals, updates may also
       be downloaded and e-mail support is free for the first year. You will also be
       able to obtain telephonic support should you purchase a support and upgrade
       contract in the following year.
  
  c.  AllyCAD SME – the product may be purchased for R 10,000.00 ex VAT. It has full
       functionality but the file size is restricted to 900Kb. You receive: the latest version
       of AllyCAD 3.4 on CD, user guide, reference manual, quick start-up guide,
       accelerator key card and security dongle (printer port or USB). You will also
       receive all upgrades for one year and will have free access to our customer
       support centre for the first year.
  
  d.  AllyCAD Professional - the product may be purchased for for R 19,000.00 ex VAT.
       It has full functionality and the file size is unlimited. You receive: the latest version
       of AllyCAD 3.4 on CD, user guide, reference manual, quick start-up guide,
       accelerator key card and security dongle (printer port or USB). You will also
       receive all upgrades for one year and will have free access to our customer
       support centre for the first year.

• Which version of AllyCAD should I buy?

  This depends on your individual requirements and more specifically the scale of designs that you do. Should you require assistance with your purchase, then please call (+27 21 701 1850) or email us at ( ) so that we can arrange a visit from one of our Customer Solutions Consultants.

• Can I get hardware security for AllyCAD Micro?

  This is unfortunately not feasible with the products existing low cost structure. AllyCAD Micro therefore comes with a Crypkey software security and needs to be authorised online.

  3.c. COMPATIBILITY FAQ

• Is AllyCAD compatible with other Industry products?

  Yes

• What formats can AllyCAD open and save in?

  The program offers full support for reading and writing AutoCAD DWG/DXF, Caddie CEX, ArcView SHP and ASCII files.

  3d. CHOICECAD / TRUECAD FAQ

• What happened to ChoiceCAD / TrueCAD?

  AllyCAD, ChoiceCAD and TrueCAD have always been the same product, but AllyCAD is simply the latest version. We have since decided to standardise under one brand name (AllyCAD) in order to simplify world-wide support.

• Can AllyCAD read ChoiceCAD / TrueCAD files?

  Yes, the file format is identical.

• Is AllyCAD similar to ChoiceCAD / TrueCAD?

  It is identical except that it has minor interface changes, substantial changes in functionality and includes our sought after toolkits. At one stage all three products were identical except in branding. Since the decision to move to one brand name no updates have been provided for ChoiceCAD or TrueCAD, which means that they are now significantly lacking in the features that AllyCAD provides.

• Will I have to go through a learning curve?

  No, AllyCAD is identical to ChoiceCAD and TrueCAD. It is just a later version with many improvements. All the menus, snaps, geometry etc are there.

• Will Archimate / Mechmate work with AllyCAD?

  These add-ons (produced by other companies) were designed to work with an older version of AllyCAD/ChoiceCAD/TrueCAD and will no longer function in AllyCAD. We have however introduced Architectural and Mechanical Toolkits in AllyCAD, which have similar functionality to these add-ons.

• Can I easily upgrade to AllyCAD?

  Yes, the file format is identical so loading existing ChoiceCAD and TrueCAD drawings is very easy. The interface, menus and keystrokes are the same, which means that you will be up to speed in no time at all. You will also have access to new and improved AllyCAD functionality, in particular, the new sought-after Toolkit functions.

• What upgrade discount do I get if I own a copy of TrueCAD / ChoiceCAD?

  ChoiceCAD and TrueCAD users get a 65% discount on the regular purchase price when upgrading to the latest version of AllyCAD Professional.

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  4. Service Related FAQ:
 

  4a. GENERAL SERVICE FAQ

• Do you offer Support?

  Yes we offer dedicated support for new users or users with a support and upgrade contract. Our Support Centre is well renowned and is manned by highly experienced professionals who have extensive knowledge of the software. It is very important to us that every customer makes the most of our software. Customer support is an integral part of our business, as we would like to help you finish the job on time, every time.
  
  Our Support Staff are available to help registered users every working day of the year between 08h00 and 17h00 (GMT+02:00). In the unlikely event that they are unable to help you, they can call on our programmers that are just across the corridor. We are dedicated to ensuring that all your enquiries are answered.
  
  When you contact Knowledge Base for support assistance, please have the following information available:
  
  a.  Company name (Individual name if purchaser of software)
  b.  Version of Software (i.e AllyCAD v3.4)
  c.  Operating System (i.e XP, Win 98, Win 2000)

• Do you offer training?

  Yes, all over Southern Africa. Should training be requested outside of South Africa, then this can be arranged once the trainers travelling and accommodation costs have been paid by the client.

• Do you have a user newsletter?

  Yes we send out a fortnightly newsletter. Our General Newsletters Include:
  
  a.  Company News
  b.  Latest Product News
  c.  Our Sought After Tech Tips
  d.  Customer Showcases
  e.  Upcoming Training Information
  f.   Company Visit Dates
  g.  Recruitment Service News & Info
  h.  Support & Development Details
  i.   And Much Much More…

• How do I subscribe to / unsubscribe from this newsletter?

  Simply go to the Newsletter Subscription page and enter your email address. Here you will easily be able to subscribe / unsubscribe to our Newsletters.

  4b. ALLYCAD SUPPORT FAQ

• Are support and upgrades included in the purchase price?

  Software product prices include delivery and one year’s free support and upgrades. Thereafter, a support and upgrade contract needs to be purchased at 13% of the value of a new copy.

• How does one get support?

  We have a dedicated Support Centre that may be contacted by phone, fax or email.

• What are the support contact details?

  By phone:
  0860 101 999 (South Africa only)
  +27 21 7011850 (International)
  
  By fax:
  +27 21 7011822
  
  By email:
  

• Is there Support for the AllyCAD Freeware version?

  No, telephonic and email support is solely reserved for Micro, SME and Professional users.

• What are the prices of a Support and Upgrade Contract?

  a.   AllyCAD Micro R 1,300.00
  b.   AllyCAD SME R 1,300.00
  c.   AllyCAD Professional R 2,470.00

• What is included in this Contract?

  Upgrades and Support for 12 months.

• How do I get hold of Technical Tips?

  On our website (www.allycad.com), or you may subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter.

• Why does support sometimes ask me to send my data/drawing/project to them?

  It is often difficult for our support desk to fully understand the problem you might have. Problems are often the result of something not apparent to a less experienced user who is then unable to describe the problem properly. All data is however treated in the strictest confidence.

  4c. GENERAL TRAINING FAQ

• How long is the AllyCAD outcomes-based training course?

  The AllyCAD course is 3 days, but may also be tailor-made to suite the client’s individual needs.

• How do I find out when the next training course is scheduled?

  Details of our upcoming training courses are contained in our weekly newsletters. To subscribe, go to www.knowbase.co.za. We are happy to schedule additional training courses depending on demand. Please feel free to give us a call on (021) 701-1850. We would be happy to meet up with you to discuss your training needs.

• Do you have a training course sooner than the date offered?

  Sometimes, but we normally advise delegates of any schedule change well in advance.

• What content will I learn when I attend an AllyCAD course?

  A brief summary of the course content is sent to prospective delegates on enquiry.

• Is the course you offer a basic training course?

  Yes

• What must I bring to training? Do I need to supply my own computer?

  We supply all the necessary training materials as well as a computer for training purposes.

• Where can I park?

  Training delegates will be able to park in our free parking area for the duration of training.

• Is the course running for the whole day?

  Yes, our courses start at 08:30 and finishes at 16:30 with three pause breaks in between (two teas and a lunch break)

• Can you send me a training manual to go through before I attend training?

  No, because we have to guard against misinterpretation. It is therefore preferred that training manuals are interpreted by one of our qualified trainers.

• Will I receive a certificate after completing the training course?

  Yes we issue a Certificate of Competence to students who pass the course.

  4d. TYPES OF TRAINING

• Do you offer on-site training?

  Yes. To book such a course please contact our Training Co-ordinator on
  (021) 701 1850.

• Do you have a training centre?

  Yes, we have three training centres:
  
  a.  Cape Town Head Office
  b.  Johannesburg Regional Office
  c.  Durban Regional Office

  4e. CONTACT DETAILS, DIRECTIONS AND BOOKING

• Who do I contact for Training?

  You may contact any one of Training Co-ordinators in order to discuss your training needs:

  CONTACT DETAILS
  Cape Town (Head Office)	Shantell Tel: (021) 701 1850
  Durban Office	Nalini Tel: (031) 566 3323
  Johannesburg Office	Barbara Tel: (011) 675 3959

• How does one go about booking for training?

  To book training, please contact your nearest training centre so that the details of the next training course may be e-mailed to you. You will then be requested to complete your name next to the preferred date and then return the form to us via fax for immediate follow-up.

• Where are your training centres?

  Cape Town Head Office
  Block I, The Terraces,
  Steenberg Office Park
  Tokai, 7945
  Tel: +27 21 7011850
  Fax: +27 21 7011822
  
  Johannesburg Regional Office
  Suite E7, Somerset Office Estate,
  Kudu Street,
  Allensnek, 1735
  Tel: +27 11 675 3959
  Fax: +27 11 675 3958
  
  Durban Regional Office
  1st Floor, 8 Frosterly Crescent,
  La Lucia Ridge Office Estate,
  Umhlanga Ridge, 4320
  Tel: +27 31 566 3323
  Fax: +27 31 566 3326

• Have you got a map or directions to the training centre?

  A map will be sent with confirmation of your enrolment.

  4f. COST AND PAYMENT FAQ

• Is training included in the price of the software?

  No, but delegates may request a training quote from one of our training co-ordinators.

• Why does training cost what it does?

  The cost of training covers the fee for a qualified trainer and the compilation of industry relevant tuition that is tailor-made to suit your specific company needs.

• What is the cost of AllyCAD training?

  R1 800.00 (excl VAT) per person per day.

• When must payment be made?

  Payment must be made no less than 7 days prior to training.

  4g. PREREQUISITES FAQ

• What are the prerequisites for training?

  We recommend that you work through the tutorials in the User Guide / Help Files before attending the training course.

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  5. Security, Installation and Authorisation FAQ:
 

  5a. HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE BASED SECURITY

• What is a dongle?

  A dongle is a security device that plugs into either the printer port or USB port. The program will not operate correctly without a dongle being installed.

• What do I check for if my dongle is not being read?

  With the Printer port dongle, make sure that the dongle is attached securely to the printer port. The USB dongle will light up when found by the computer (device is plug and play). The drivers for the dongle are automatically installed when AllyCAD is installed.

• What is the difference between a network dongle and a normal dongle?

  A network dongle ensures that more than 1 user can use the software at the same time.

• Which types of dongles are available?

  Printer port and USB (stand-alone and network versions).

• What is a time based dongle?

  If a client pays over 12 months, the time based dongle will expire after a couple of months, the user must then re-apply for authorization. Once final payment has been received, a normal dongle will be issued.

• Why am I asked for my serial number when I call in for support?

  This is to ensure that your software is licensed to the right person and also to validate your support and upgrade agreement.

• What is Crypkey security?

  It is a temporary security authorization for when the dongle is faulty or if there is no dongle. It is also the security method used for the AllyCAD Micro version.

• How do I install a network dongle?

  Documentation is included when a network dongle is purchased and all the necessary software applicable to AllyCAD and/or Civil Designer are installed.

• How does a network dongle work?

  The dongle is installed on a “server” computer. Software is then installed on this computer because it is able to monitor the licenses on the dongle. All computers on the network receive authorisation from this dongle.

  5b. INSTALLATION AND AUTHORISATION

• How do I authorise my product?

  AllyCAD SME and Professional version
  Click on the File Menu > Security > Authorize when in AllyCAD. With the authorization dialog open, the client has 3 ways to authorize.
  
  - via the Internet (click the online button),
  - via email (click the save and email document created)
  - or phone the Support Center (contact number is shown on the authorization screen)
  
  
  AllyCAD Micro Version
  Run the “On-line Authorisation” program after installation. To access this program click START > PROGRAMS > AllyCAD 3.4 MICRO > ON-LINE AUTHORISATION

• Can I move my authorisation from one computer to another?

  Yes

• How is this done?

  You can do this by switching the dongle from one computer to another if you have AllyCAD SME or Professional.
  
  AllyCAD Micro users will need to run the “On-line Authorisation” program to unauthorise their product first off the current computer and then rerun the authorisation program on the new computer.

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  6. Development & Support FAQ:
 

• How do I get hold of the latest updates?

  If your upgrade and support contract is up to date, version upgrades are automatically sent. Updates for a specific version (patches) can also be downloaded off our website.

• Is AllyCAD going the 3D route?

  Yes, we are currently putting a lot of effort into rewriting the current CAD to become a full 3D CAD system.

• Is the Support Forum available to all AllyCAD users?

  Yes, You can benefit from interaction with other AllyCAD users and gain support from our technical staff via the online forum. Click here to access the forum.

• What is the difference between a version and a build?

  A version is a new upgrade while a build is a patch on the existing upgrade.

• Does my AllyCAD installation update automatically?

  No. You need to do two things: Firstly download the latest build from the website. Secondly, actually install the downloaded file by double clicking on it and following the displayed instructions.

• How can I tell if my AllyCAD installation is up-to-date?

  Look at the version number displayed on the Help About dialog and compare this to the latest build on our website. Alternatively, you can enable the version checking option in the software (Help menu, Version Checking), which will, through the Internet, check your current version against the latest available version and inform you of any available upgrade or patch.

• Can I keep track about what has changed between builds?

  Yes. There is a file named readme.txt in the installation directory that lists all the changes made between builds.

• Why are no new features introduced in new builds, but only in new versions?

  New features require a lot of testing which is done during a dedicated beta phase. This is not possible during normal builds.

• Will Knowledge Base implement my feature requests? And bug reports?

  True bug reports, e.g. crashes, incorrect results, etc. will always be fixed. We will consider any feature requests in conjunction with other requests received.