Personally I use AutoCAD to draw my schematics (and everything) but purely because I already have it, use it daily for work and have done for 12 years. There are other, cheaper (and free) alternatives though, google will bring up a load of them.

ExpressPCB is free and takes care of schematic drawings and PCB design. Draftsight is free CAD software very similar to AutoCAD. Photoshop/Paint/etc. can be used if in a bind.

i use EXPRESSPCB its free,makes any schematics and then pcb design to have sent out and have boards made also very easy to use in work i use ORCAD ,but now i send to another person in the lab that uses AUTOCAD PRO i had it at one time ,but with all the other programs i have ,it takes of my space and is harder then EXPRESSPCB where i send my boards out to be made

I use NI Multisim aka Electronics workbench

I use have multisim electtronic workbench ,and i think i still have the manuals and cd ,have the pro version over 15 years ago i used ORCAD has anyone heard of it ,was for windows 95

Now i use a simple free program and can make my own PCB and order them

expresspcb free download

FreePCB is awesome http://www.freepcb.com/

We use Altium - but it's expensive!

i have altium

I love how electronics workbench will do circuit simulation Most any circuit i can come up with the program can do simulation on it and has many usefull tools built in. I say most because there is some i mess with that cant be simulated as i use alot of unconvensional teckneaks like open loop not closed like most circuits use hence the word circuit. there are programs out there that will do what i need but i cant aford them yet sofare the only one i have seen i cant remember the name of butit costs over 5 mil so i need to kill another 10-20 before the cost comes down to where i maybe able to start thinking about saving for it

oh ya and my kit finaly came yesterday so i can start playing :D:D:D not sure why all i have done with it is open the box lol

ELECTRONIS workbench is great for begineers,but it takes time to use it

SO i i use a breadboard to make my designs and its a lot faster.

DJ FREEPCB is good until i got expresspcb you can make any new part not in the database ,plus 3 layer board and cost for a board is very cheap $59 for 3 boards no silkscreen ,shipping $8

I to love breeadboards but with working directly with components you run the risk of blowing up your parts plus you need to have all the parts handy but with circuit simulation you dont need parts on hand and you will not blow them up With electronics workbench i can design and test a circuit long before i spend the $$ and some times $$$$$$$ on the parts plus electronics workbench is now an old program with alot of older versions that can be downloaded for free if your lucky enuff to find them or know someone with a copy of it