Ok, I've been reading this and remained silent up until now. At this point I have to get involved and set some things straight.
I've had more years then I can count running operating systems most of you have never heard of, as per this thread, my involvement will last for my one post.
Linux is a much more stable platform in comparison to windows. - This is undeniable, if you wish to argue the inverse, you have no quantifiable evidence to do so, and your making it up.
I think Mach 3 is excellent software. It is nothing more then a total shame that its not yet compiled for Linux. If my words have any effect on mach 3 software programmers, i hope for nothing more then a linux version in the very near future. It is nothing more then humorous the number of people who go on about "Free this free that getting your ball screws for free" in regards to using free software packages. The recourse to this is "Hey wouldn't it be great if we had to pay for every breath we took." That would probably make microsoft happy, patenting the act of breathing.
Hate to burst you bubble here friend but open source free software is out there, and is very good, the problem is people who are too narrow minded to even try it. People are mostly un-aware of how good this stuff really is, and thats one of the major reasons microsoft dominates, to "Scare" people off open source OS's in the fear "you can't get programs for them". I have not yet encountered a program I cannot make run under linux, however something that my cnc is relying on I'd prefer to be written by the professionalss rather then just running WINE. (Which may work haven't tried it yet)
I will close in saying that the only down side to making a linux version of mach 3 is that there isn't one.
I think you'll find most people have the choice between running Mach 3 on windows or linux will find Mach 3 far more appealing knowing they can walk away without fear of a "donk" error from some background bull-**** that windows is doing without the operators knowledge.
Linux for the win guys, its more professional, safer, more reliable, more powerful and hey its free. Something on all counts microsoft will never be able to contend with.
Regards,
Irvs, J.