newbie questions

I apologize if this is a terribly basic question, but I've read
through the "files" and "bookmarks" sections of the website and have
yet to find the required info.

I'm considering converting a bridgeport series 1 to PC control.
These mills (with Boss 1-5 controllers) are a dime a dozen here in
the northeast and I've stubled across quite a few for less than 1K.
The controllers are always shot, or missing parts, but the mills
themselves always seem like they are in good condition. After one
too many years cranking my own handwheels, it time to let the
computer do the hard work.

Here goes on questions:

1) anyone done such a conversion and documented the process
reasonably well. I'm far from a electrical engineer but I hold my
own with wiring, soldering and computer inconnectivity. Is such a
conversion over the head of a beginner?

2) what controllers are out there for such a conversion at a
reasonable cost. I've found several mentions to the Gecko units, and
their cost seems to come in lowest. Am I missing something or is
this really "too good to be true?" Which would be the correct unit
to use in an application such as this? Is it as simple as ordering a
stepper controller like the gecco units, wiring them up and feeding
them some sort of input from the computer? I'm assuming the input to
the stepper controllers comes via parallel port? (or is there
something in between the output of the computer and the input to the
stepper controller?)

3) I'm in need of software reccomendations. the CAD side of things
I'm OK with, having spend quite a few years with IDEAS and
Solidworks. After greating a part in a CAd package, what next? I'm
assming you need to send it to some sort of post processor to
generate G code which the stepper controllers can work with. Any
suggestions as to what to use? (ideally windows 98, as I have 0
experience with Linux)

4) what else am I missing in this picture? PC with software, some
sort of stepper motor controller and finally the bridgeport installed
steppers. The spindle motor wiring and 3 phase requirements I can
easily take care of myself.

As I'm sure this is pretty basis stuff for most, and I hate to clog
up the list with newbie questions, feel free to reply via private
email. (vlocci@... in case the headers are stripped)


Thank in advance,

Vincent