Thanks so much again everyone! What a fantastic forum this is!

Ah ok so the controller takes some of the guesswork out of choosing a PC & parallel ports etc.. Seems the way forward then definitely to avoid that headache. In that case, I will build up a simple machine with the Asus H61M-Pro.. I've specced it at about £140.. but with the ability to upgrade at a later date to a 3770 when prices drop.. then it'd be a great machine..
Am also kind of set on Planet-CNC as it seems the best fit for me at this stage. (seems a little easier for a beginner)


PS. That Tiny Fox small PC looks great! Any links? I can't seem to find it via google.. only adorable foxes!


PPS. Is forum etiquette that if I have further questions regarding controllers or something, I should start a new thread in a more appropriate section? Or is it seen as more appropriate to continue on this thread?