Denford Software & Machines

I am completely new to cnc and to this forum so apologies if I am duplicating what may have been asked before. I am looking at what is designated as a Starturn PC lathe. It is being offered complete with Starturn PC Version 2.23 and Lathe CAM Design Version 1.1. If it is helpful, the machine S/No is 50119E and is fitted with 8 station toolpost/carousel.

Is this a good machine for a novice? If necessary, can the software be upgraded - is it compatible with Fanuc or Mach3? I have heard they are the current desired software but know nothing about them. As I said, this is a completely new field for me and I am sure it shows. Any help or guidance gratefully recieved.

For a novice, the software which comes with it at present (DOS for the control s/w and Windows for LatheCAM) would be fine, to get into CNC programming and cutting basic shapes. Just be sure to see it all working 1st !
It may be possible to upgrade the machine to work on VR Turning and QuickTurn 2D, it depends on the current hardware.
In the future it would certainly be able to be converted to run Mach3 if you want to get into a bit of re-wiring, however, I'm not so sure if the auto turret could be made to work so easily from Mach - maybe someone has already done it, in which case it would be easy if they shared the information with you.

thank you for your suggestions and guidance. I'll see what happens to it pricewise!

other comments etc will be gratefully received.