EMC Basics

I need to upgrade the control on 3 axis grinding machine that I have. It uses steppers so I think that EMC will do this well.

Some questions:

Can I run EMC on a new Dell? They're relatively cheap, about $800.00 CDN. ($550.00 US)

Is it possible to model the setup that I need on the computer? I have all the parameters for the steppers and the controllers.

Can I store several (many) programs on the computer and call them up as needed?

What would the pin-out be if I choose to use encoder feedback to verify position? Can this be done with the parallel port?

I am downloading the 209-01.img file. If I copy that on to a CD ROM, is that all I need to get started?

Thanks.

Ethan