Yeah....now I've got to figure it out!
New owner of Carlson Survey 2014 AND ArcView GIS
Me too!
If you want to get into GIS at this time, ESRI and Carlson have an agreement which will allow you (as purchaser of CS 2014) to get ArcGIS for "free" - you will need to start paying the annual maintenance fee at some point.
http://www.carlsonsw.com/solutions/intellicad/#giskit
I did it and a box from ESRI arrived two days ago. I did have a little ArcView exposure but no GIS software of my own. Now I have oh so much to learn!
Now the fun begins!! Lean on your VAR for help (if he can), local users who are willing to share knowledge, The Carlson Discussion groups, and this site with your questions. Feel free to email me if I can help you with anything on the drawing end. I'm not a rocket scientist but I did stay in a Holiday Inn when I went to Carlson College!!:-P