One factor that differentiates some of these design packages is when they were first produced. I started using Protel (now Altium) about 20 years ago. Then it was a DOS program called Autotrax. At that time there was no Youtube. Even Google wasn't around.
To use a program you read the printed manual. And referred back to it when you had questions. But mostly you experimented with the software to figure it out. As such, ease of use and an intuitive user interface was important. And it was. I was using it to do a 4 layer through hole board in only a couple of days. And doing a SMT 4 layer board with components on both sides a few months later. And all without online forums, search engines or how to videos.
I sometimes wonder if the ability to search the internet to find any little bit of information has spoiled us to the point we are less likely to discover things for ourselves. Now don't get me wrong. I appreciate the ability to find information and help online. But if we become totally dependent on it, we'll never be able learn something that someone else hasn't posted online somewhere.
To use a program you read the printed manual. And referred back to it when you had questions. But mostly you experimented with the software to figure it out. As such, ease of use and an intuitive user interface was important. And it was. I was using it to do a 4 layer through hole board in only a couple of days. And doing a SMT 4 layer board with components on both sides a few months later. And all without online forums, search engines or how to videos.
I sometimes wonder if the ability to search the internet to find any little bit of information has spoiled us to the point we are less likely to discover things for ourselves. Now don't get me wrong. I appreciate the ability to find information and help online. But if we become totally dependent on it, we'll never be able learn something that someone else hasn't posted online somewhere.