LT Spice or Visual Spice?

Question

I'm a rank amateur that would like to begin learning a simulation package to aid my understand of basic electronics. I have spent a great deal of time searching the archives, and reading comments on sim software, and decided I would like to go with either LT Spice or Visual Spice. Right now I can get Visual Spice Advanced for $98. Would it be worth it to me in the long run, or should I just go with LT Spice since it's free. If it's likely I would want to upgrade someday, I'd rather spend the money to begin with, and avoid the learning curve. But the what are the odds I would ever outgrow LT Spice?

Thanks for your thoughts guys, I really appreciate it,

Maxwell

Homer J Simpson · Accepted Answer

IME get the free one and use it as a learning tool. Once you are up to speed you will know what to look for in a simulator.

Maxwell · Answer

Well that was indeed my first thought. But if I am EVER going to want something more, and Visual would suffice for the long term, I would prefer to start with it. We invest a lot of time learning and individual programs, and the learning curve of changing later could make that $98 look cheap. So I though I would put the question to the experts, because I don't now the ultimate possibilities of either product. LT Spice might do a lot more than I would EVER need.

Puckdropper · Answer

"Maxwell"  wrote innews:26Ozh.81094$5q6.19308@newsfe17.lga: Don't just learn the software.  Learn what you're doing with the software.  That makes switching easier.  I haven't used many electronics programs, but an example I can think of is switching between web browsers.  Since I know what I want to do in the web browser (say View Page Source or Download a file rather than open it) it's easy to switch between IE, Mozilla, Firefox, and Opera.JMHO.Puckdropper-- Wise is the man who attempts to answer his question before asking it.To email me directly, send a message to puckdropper (at)

LT Spice or Visual Spice?

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