[JeLC]

I am almost finished with my first CNC (a slightly modified version of the JPGO), am ready to buy the electronics package and get this thing going. But now I'm trying to decide on control software. Linux/EMC2 is free, but looks like I'm going to have to become a Linux programmer to set up all the different modules it requires to run. I can get TurboCNC for $60 and have a copy of Win98 to install on a spare computer, a 2.4 Ghz system but I'm not even sure Win98 will run on it, so that's an 'iffy' possibility. I'm thinking Mach3 for $150 may be my best option.

I'm ready to start making wood chips instead of spending days setting up a system, reading manuals, learning code, modifying the HAL, etc.

I realize that anyone who responds will probably favor and recommend their configuration, but I'd like input on all three setups for comparison purposes. I'm just needing a little advice as to which is the easiest and fastest to set up and get running.

Thanks in advance for any responses.