I agree with quiltsRfun. EQ is not where you want to start. Look at all those books and learn by starting with some of those patterns. Once you learn how blocks are constructed and are ready to play with your own ideas will be the time to get EQ. Don't buy anything but the newest product. As with Microsoft, the prior versions are supported for a while, but as they get older, support goes away. As an experienced sewer, you won't have much problem with the patterns. Learning how to cut with a rotary cutter and how to use your rulers will be more fun. There are so many YouTube videos on every aspect of quilting. When you need to learn something new or don't understand an instruction, we will help if we can.
Oh, and welcome to the board from South Louisiana. You'll get a lot of good ideas here.