HI! I am a new member starting out on his CNC journey. I have a Shopmaster Bridgemill that was operational on Mach3. It was last ran on Windows 2000. It also has servo motors. I need to replace the computer so here is where I need to pick your brain. Should I buy a refurbished computer running XP which should integrate into the system without to much trouble, or should I go whole hog and buy a new one with windows 7-64 and get smothstepper? Remember this system has servo motors. I would prefer to go with XP and get it up and running at the lowest cost. But if I will need to upgrade in the future I may as well do it now. Opinions please. Be gentle, remember you were new at this at one time too. 

As much as I enjoy my PP controllers they are a dying lot. Xp is great but getting old. SS is a great product once configured (dont take any shortcuts in set up) just get the ESS version not the USB.

BTW my USB version works well just the ESS is more resistant to problems in my understanding.

Regardless of which computer you decide upon, get the SmoothStepper now.  It runs much, much better than a PP.
John Champlain

My preference is XP but I build a new system and install XP on it rather than buying an old computer.
Hood

Thanks for the replies. I found a nice used computer that has windows 7 but will probably load xp on it. I think I am better off staying with a similar set up that was used before to get the machine up and running. More opinions and advice is welcome.