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...but if you don't purchase games on Steam (because I have no interest in computer/network gaming) it seems ridiculous to require having a second application running to use another.
Novica thank you for that bit of information. It very well may have been an isolated incident, but considering the things I have heard about out there, I'm one to err on the cautious side. Being unemployed (and with the extended benefits programme having ended on the 31st), I certainly could not afford any unauthorised purchases on my card #.
thanks for the heads up on the obj export I was thinking on pulling the trigger but that would stop my worlflow without that export, I can get GTA5 for $40 and there's less learning involved.
Sorry I didn't respond to this before, I'm at work. I have Silo 2.2 through Steam and have managed to export .obj's and import them into both Blender and DAZ3d Studio. I carefully checked the Silo page on Steam versus the MODO restrictions. It's small, but towards the bottom of the MODO page, you can see the license restrictions that allow for personal, hobby and non-commercial use with the exception being models for games through a particular source. I scanned the Silo page carefully and was not able to find any restrictions whatsoever.
As for concerns about Steam needing to be run while using Silo, and as far as my system is concerned, I can confirm that. When I tried to run Silo with Steam turned off, it turned Steam on before I could use it.
That is one thing I am unsure over. I detest the idea of having to have a Steam account to play a game I bought in a shop: yes, Skyrim, I'm looking at you! Or rather I'm not as I declined to buy it. If I had got Silo (or any other product) via Steam would I HAVE to have Steam up and running to use it?
That is one thing I am unsure over. I detest the idea of having to have a Steam account to play a game I bought in a shop: yes, Skyrim, I'm looking at you! Or rather I'm not as I declined to buy it. If I had got Silo (or any other product) via Steam would I HAVE to have Steam up and running to use it?
yes. but as mentioned, it runs in offline mode if your machine is not connected or if you dont want it connected.
Greetings,
I believe you do, as others have indicated, but I typically run Steam anyway, and it's a low-impact process. I think I originally installed Steam because of Half Life 2.(I have Skyrim for the XBox 360, PS3, and PC. I enjoy it on the PC because it's moddable, and the PS3 because of it's ease of use. Funny how I don't mention the 360, huh? ;) )
As an ex-anti-virus software developer (many, many years ago) I'm more aware than most about how my computer runs, and honestly your anti-virus software will slow your system down significantly more than Steam will. And call home about as often.
Anyway, I haven't had a chance to play with Silo2 yet. Any suggested 'Hello, World!' modeling exercises I should do?
-- Morgan
I can't link them from my work PC, but NeverCenter has some excellent starter tutorial videos by Glen Southern, as well as some more advanced ones. Our own Daz_Anne or at least I believe it is her, has a wonderful beginner tutorial video for making a vase in Silo. In fact, following her instructions gave me the very first thing I ever made in any modeling program that looked like I intended it to. BrentRTaylor, has a quick YouTube on making a watch in Silo, not a tutorial, but danged fun to watch. I apologize again for the lack of links, my work PC does not allow some sites nor does it allow videos.
Just do a search on Youtube for "silo3D" and you should find lots of helpful videos though the ones from Nevercenter by Glenn Southern are your best place to start.
I can confirm this. Norton used to be the worst because it would have to scan every file that was opened, even if it was the OS opening a file (for example loading an exe into memory for execution).
If you use Windows XP or 7, I recommend Microsoft Security Essentials because it's free and lightweight. If you have Windows 8 or 8.1, then it's built into Windows Defender. I never have to shut off antivirus for anything, and haven't had to do this for over 4 years now. But I always build my systems with a fairly strong multi-core CPU.
Silo sounds interesting, as does Zbrush; but the latter is far too expensive.
I am learning Hexagon now. I have downloaded Blender but haven't really delved in much yet. Silo might be next on the list, but probably not until February/March. Too much to do and no time for it.
...I'm running the latest Norton on both my i7 workstation and old duo core notebook and it really has very little impact on either system.
As far as I've read in their forum Silo upgrades are free (possible depending on where you've bought it though).
How is Silo compared to Carrara Pro? Any point in buying it if you already have Carrara?
As far as I've read in their forum Silo upgrades are free (possible depending on where you've bought it though).
...I would imagine only if you bought the retail version direct from Nevrcenter (and possibly SmithMicro when they sold it). This is part of what also makes me hesitant about the Steam version.
For modeling - quite a bit better, but that's all it will do. It does it really well though.
I always have Steam running.. I have.. umm.. 184 "games" (though I wouldn't count Substance Designer, B2M, Display Fusion, or RPG Maker to be games) I've never had any issues with my credit cards and they only send emails when I buy something. It takes very little resources.
...well again if the price is right guess I'll have to see what I can do to scrape up for the "retail" version of Silo. I checked Smith Micro and they no longer sell it so it's basically Nevercenter who is the only commercial outlet now.
Was reading some discussions concerning standalone modelling apps and came across another free programme called Nvil. Seems it is strictly a polygon/subdivision modeller (kind of what Modo used to be). Going to have to do some more research in the next few days.
I sent myself an email with the links I was exploring. Here ya go :)
Here's my questions first- I bought from the vendor (Nevercenter.com) and I can put it on 3 computers. Same with SmithMicro (and you can get a 2 year reload as many times as you need for an additional $8 (or $9, can't remember) HOW MANY COMPUTERS CAN YOU DO WITH STEAM for those who haven't bought it yet/ need to know? (I already got mine with Nevercenter)
KYOTO- SmithMicro still sells it. EDIT: SALE ENDED, SORRY! The $99 from Nevercenter ended yesterday apparently, as did the Steam. So none on sale. This is same as Nevercenter
http://mysmithmicro.com/marcom/eblasts/Silo/20131106/A/index-web.html
http://nevercenter.com/silo/ (the creators. The sale is off now.) Is $159.
http://store.steampowered.com/app/100400 (the Steam one. Sale is off now.) Is $80
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TBLZRmXanI the first of Glen's videos.
http://www.amazon.com/3D-Modeling-Silo-Official-Guide/dp/0240814819
the amazon book that people say is pretty much like the videos- so if you like it in print. Somehow I got into the Kindle edition (after I purchased the book, it lets you read ahead) and man is this easy to follow. VERY well written. (I was a training professional, I don't say that lightly. This is just based on reading about ten pages, but I'm sure the style is the same all the way through.) Explains every little term so you never get lost.
https://www.youtube.com/user/nevercenter/videos
Hope this helps.
Cathie
I edited my post, got to thinking that sale had ended (had to see the smaller print.) So the SmithMicro is not on sale either. Best to get it from Nevercenter, the vendor, same price. But would wait for a sale.
Here is the link to the Nevercenter tutorials for Silo 2.2 --> http://www.nevercenter.com/silo/?section=tutorials The 4th modeling tutorial on that page is one of the swords I created while i was playing with the Silo 30-trial.
Ameesa is correct that Ann has a nice vase tutorial for Silo that can be found on her and Frank's ARTCollaborations forum -->
http://www.art-collab.com/ARTForum/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=67 I did this tutorial as well, and even did a second vase with a few variations on Ann's tutorial.
As MattyManx mentioned, Nevercenter has a channel over at YouTube --> http://www.youtube.com/user/nevercenter
That said, I'm not new to modeling, so some of the modeling tutorials may be a bit much to start with, so I also recommend Glen Southern's beginner video's as a good place to start --> http://www.nevercenter.com/silo/tutorials/features_tools/
As far as I've read in their forum Silo upgrades are free (possible depending on where you've bought it though).
That's the sticking point for me. Silo hasn't been upgraded in over 5 years, and there doesn't seem to be any interest for Nevercenter to do so.
With Steam you can generally install on any computer you like - it's effectively a floating license with Steam acting as the license server. Presumably if you opt to work in off-line mode that may lock the license for a while, but that I don't know.
Greetings,
I'm watching some of the videos (Glen Southern's specifically, although before I bought I also watched one where they made a chair using split loop and subdivision which had my head spinning), and they're pretty good.
The thing which really rocked me was when I started Silo up on my Windows desktop. I'm used to DAZ Studio and Carrara, both of which are...well, a little ponderous and need some time to...breathe, while doing stuff. My machine's not a rock-star, but it's got a decent 4 cores and 8GB of RAM, but I'm used to those other apps. What blew me away was that Silo was FAST! Like...quick to start, sleek, fast and responsive. I imagine it'll be slower when I've got something with a bunch of subdivided polys in it, but the first-run experience was pretty darn nice. Sadly it was at 2am last night, and I really needed to get to sleep...
I've picked myself up a small notebook (the paper kind) to keep notes and sketches for modeling ideas. And yes, I have to do a sword at some point...so to speak. :)
-- Morgan
...thanks every especially Novica for looking into this.
I like the fact there is actually a printed book out as well. Again, I don't do too well with video based learning and while I would prefer the material in PDF format (easier to "page" through while working) even a "dead tree" version is preferable. Don't have a Kindle (can't afford one that also is capable of reproducing images) so unfortunately unable to use the electronic version.
Have to give this some serious thought. The fact that Nevercenter isn't ditching it I guess is a good thing, and the fact it is more stable and powerful than Hexagon (including having superior UV mapping tools) is a better thing.
Just have to wait for a sale and hope I have a steady income by then.
I have a couple disc's from Glen Southern. That is how I learned to use Silo
The Silo wiki can be downloaded as a PDF and printed out as well if you want to but your looking at over 200 pages (and it fits snug into my binder)
Here is the new Silo Forum. They moved it from nevercenter to CGTalk http://forums.cgsociety.org/forumdisplay.php?f=175&utm_source=Silo&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=SiloNevercenter
...but CGSociety is one of the places where the "pro" guys hang out at which, being a "lowly hobbyist" who plays with "toy" programmes in their view, would make me feel out of place.
At least here we have both excellent mods and a TOS to keep things from getting out of hand.
Here is the link to the Nevercenter tutorials for Silo 2.2 --> http://www.nevercenter.com/silo/?section=tutorials The 4th modeling tutorial on that page is one of the swords I created while i was playing with the Silo 30-trial.
Ameesa is correct that Ann has a nice vase tutorial for Silo that can be found on her and Frank's ARTCollaborations forum -->
http://www.art-collab.com/ARTForum/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=67 I did this tutorial as well, and even did a second vase with a few variations on Ann's tutorial.
As MattyManx mentioned, Nevercenter has a channel over at YouTube --> http://www.youtube.com/user/nevercenter
That said, I'm not new to modeling, so some of the modeling tutorials may be a bit much to start with, so I also recommend Glen Southern's beginner video's as a good place to start --> http://www.nevercenter.com/silo/tutorials/features_tools/
Thank you for providing those links Miss B. I got home too tired to even turn on my PC and forgot about them before I returned to work today.
For modeling - quite a bit better, but that's all it will do. It does it really well though.
OK, think I'll give it a try. Thanks!
I found a discount code on the net that seems to be working: SILO119 ($119 - $40 off).
Thank you for providing those links Miss B. I got home too tired to even turn on my PC and forgot about them before I returned to work today.
You're welcome Ameesa. I sometimes don't know what I'd do without a lot of tutorials when I'm trying to learn a new piece of software. That's the one disappointing thing I discovered when I bought the Pegasus modeler here in the store. It comes with a bunch of tutorials by the creator that will get you started, but there's only one that deals with modeling a shirt/top. The rest of the tutorials, though enlightening, were only for how to get around in the Pegasus UI.
Lack of tutorials or really almost any information is why I am not looking at NVil, even though folks are saying it would be a good replacement for Silo. The NVil site shows just one screen shot as near as I can tell, and looking for tutorials, I find (so far) 5 videos and 2 of those are in Russian. Silo is the first modeling program I can both afford and am excited to keep learning about. I've been in Second Life 8 years, and with DAZ3d for 7, that's a long time of trying different modelers only to be unhappy with them. Now that SL has mesh, and believe me, it's changing the face of that world, I am taking the dive again to try to learn how to model things with it.