I have used EQ since version 4. I love it. There is a learning curve to EQ. Most want to rush in and do landscape arty quilts or use custom setting for quilts. You do need to go thru the basics first! I teach EQ as well. I also know that if you love photos and memory quilts EQ6 or 7 is what you need. EQ 7 has many wonderful new features. It also allows you to have it activated on 2 machines. You can have it on 100 machines but only 2 can be active at one time. EQ checks in with the company about 3 times a year via the internet. So you may get a pop up telling you you have 30 days to connect. Once it connects all is well. This replaced the activations with a limit on EQ6. If you never crash or update and operating system EQ6 may work. I went thru all mine and actually bought a second upgrade for that very reason. I love EQ and can't imagine not using it. I also have Quilt Pro a basic program for designing quilts. Not as complicated as EQ. I am a techno geek so I love the challenge of EQ. Check the websites of the programs and see what feels right for you. Pm me if you need more information. Luann