cnc novice questions? (read as: "HELP")

Hello, i have been lurking for a while and am confused enough now to
ask for help. Currently i am trying to build a 3 axis, medium size
cnc router. While i am still working on the structure of the system
i am researching the electronics. i am greatly confused by the
electronics' specifics. i have no desire to assemble my own board, i
simply want to purchase a controller with drivers and power supply
for 3-4 stepper motors. I say 3-4 motors because i may put 2 y axis
motors on my next cnc project (thats right i still haven't figured
this one out and am already thinking about the second).

i simply am confused by all of the specs for the various controlers
by various makers. uni v. bipolar, amp/phase, amount of motor torque
needed to drive a cnc router (i plan to rout wood, plastics and soft
metals), how to use limit and home switches, full/half/micro stepping
are some of the areas about which i dont understand. basically, i
dont want a lack of electronic know-how to keep me from being able to
do this project.

does anyone recommend one driver/controler supplier over another or
are the components and techniques essentially the same? also, is
there a "home CNC for dummies" :)

Thanks,
gene jameson