purpose of the group

I have been watching and reading the email that was to the group for about a
month now but I would like to have someone explain several questions I have:

1. Is the group for home shop or commercial people? most of the email I
have read seems to be focused toward commercial machines.

2. Most of the software that is stated in the group seems to be commercial
grade.

3. What is "EMC" that a lot of people seem to be using. Commercial or
freeware?

4. Why is Linux being used instead of Windows or Dos on a PC?

5. Why is everyone interested in Servos and by passing steppers. The
present mill retrofit that I am using uses steppers and have had no problem
programming or running "G" code on it. The speed is appropiate and why is
every one wanting speed.

I run a small home shop business and am using at present a CNC Mill and am
working on a retrofit for a lathe. I have Dan's 5 amp 3 axis board that I
am going to use.

Earl Bower
ebower@...