Need help choosing software

[gda]

I have access to Mach3,Rhino, Visualcam, and I have a demo for BobCad. I need to be informed on a user friendly Art software, or CAD program to go with either one of these. I am slightly familiar with Rhino which I suppose could be used for the CAD or the art end of it all, along with RhinoCam. I don't know if it comes equipped with features for placing text on an arc or in a circle, or If I am better off purchasing an Art program for the art end of one of the others that I have. I also have Casmate, which is a real good program for making signs and plaques, etc, which is what I want to get my feet wet with. I am assuming that what I have will turn my artwork into G-Code and run the machine on the correct tool path . I realize that I have very little knowledge in this area so please give an admitted newbie whatever assistance and advice that you can. My intentions are to use this software that I end up with on a benchtop mill, that I will use for engraving plastic plaques and such, and when I want to do anything 3-d, I will use a stl file that will be provided to me by a friend that has a scanner.
Thank you in advance,
gda

[ger21]

Look at www.Vectric.com

V-Carve Pro is great for doing signs. For the .stl's, you'll need something like their Cut3D. Or www.meshcam.com