What's the best basic setup that will do well for your typical 3-axis CNC router?

I see all the options like Design, Solids, Mill, Router, etc. Also, within Mill, it has levels 1-3, and multiaxis.

What should I buy? What is the minimum needed to have "capable" functionality?

Also, does this program run the actual Gcode? Or is it best to use something like Mach2?

Thanks.

If you're using it with a router, than get MasterCAM Router. I believe it's somewhat woodworking specific. Router also has different levels, but not sure offhand what they're called. I would hope that if you're going to spend $5K or $10K, you would know what you need? Mastercam's website explains what functionality is in each version.

And no, it doesn't run g-code, it creates it. Whether or not Mach2 wiould work for you depends on your machine.

I didn't realize it was that expensive. I thought I saw it $200 per CD, but that was the training CD's. haha

I'll go with something else. I'm thinking about MillWizard.

You might consider Dolphin Partmaster or Vector for the Cad/Cam and Mach2 for your controller.