Help with DeskNC for DOS

Hello

I am going to embarass myself in asking for help with starting DeskNC
for DOS. I was always horrible with DOS, so I don't know if I am even
starting right by using the DOS prompt which I find in the Windows NT
start menu. Do I have to restart my computer in DOS mode?

I am simply trying to run the program and see how it works. I'll be
using it, or some other software with a 3 axis mill, at some point in
the future.

So, can anyone help me get out of the starting gate? I find that some
of the freeware programs work in my "learning" sessions, and some
don't even want to start. The one I like so far, is Kellyware, which
is a windows based program. I have heard that DOS-based programs are
better for machine control, since they are real-time, but the windows
ones sure are easier at first.

I should mention that I do not have my computer hooked up to any cnc
system at the moment. I have just finished Dan Mauch's 5 amp drivers,
but I am not ready to do a full scale test with motors yet.

Thanks to anyone who helps. Tom.