Design Software & Component Libraries

[sci4me]

Hey guys. So, I run Ubuntu and I need a decent piece of software to do my design. I am fairly certain Kicad will work but it doesn't have a component I need (a DDR2 SODIMM socket). I have tried eagle but had no lick at all. Never got it running. The only other piece of software I know of is Altium which .. well.. I don't really want to spend a fortune on this... I'm already going to spend enough on the project.

My questions:
1. what software should I use?
2. if it doesn't have an option / options for a DDR2 SODIMM socket, how can I get them?

Thanks!

[KJDS]

I've never found a pcb layout software package where you couldn't create new parts.

I've never found a pcb layout package that came with completely accurate ready made parts.

[sci4me]

Forgive me, I'm learning. Looking into making the component... found this: http://kicad.rohrbacher.net/quicklib.php
We'll see how I do with this...

Ah, that wont help...

[nctnico]

How to make component symbols and footprints  is one of the things you need to learn if you are going to make PCB designs. Even though I have build an extensive library over the years I find myself making several new footprints for about every project I design. So I'm with KJDS: take the time to learn how the symbol and footprint editor works.

[mark03]

If you are using Kicad, that web site for eeschema symbol creation (I think it is at rohrbacher.net but I forget if it is the link you posted or another one) is good to get a basic symbol which you can then tweak within eeschema.

For footprints in pcbnew, I am a firm believer in learning the file format and creating them yourself with nothing but a text editor.  This is MUCH faster and less error-prone than any of the other methods I've seen.