Pretty much everything you mentioned can be done. I have custom screen set up and buttons, I added a zero plate and I can use either to zero bits. If you didn't get the wincnc book with your machine, you can download it online. I had three different shopbots before going shopsabre. It's a really solid machine. I changed the x and y on mine, as i was used to it having a zero in a certain place. If you can dream up something you want to do, it can be done. Also you will get spoiled not having comm issues and a new update every week. lol Feel free to pm me if you have a need for email help, Kelly and Mike are great at wincnc also.