My low-end embroidery machine has a usb port and I didn't know about needing software to import and edit purchased designs. I thought I could just buy designs, put them on a usb stick and transfer them, but it doesn't work that way. After a month I found a reasonably priced on line program that works very well for me.
It was also amazing how much time I spent researching thread, what type, what brand, and where to buy it. The thread decision almost brought me to a standstill but I made a decision and bought enough thread to last me a while.