linux/emc/windows

I'm finally getting tired enough of windows that I'm thinking of learning
linux. I currently use Vectorcam to generate the gcode on my desktop and
CNCpro on a notebook to run my mill. One reason for going to linux would
be to use EMC but For now I would like to try to get linux on the desktop
first since I understand it can be a pain on notebooks. I would like to
avoid having to dual boot my machine so would like to be able to run some
of my software which does not have a linux version available (such as
Vectorcam) in an emulator or? Someone recommended VMware as a good place
to look. Does anyone have any other suggestions, free would also be nice
:). Since I'm a linux newbie I would like to avoid experimental software
like WINE.

Thanks,
Al


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