eq7 is not required. i have eq5 and use the software. it's kind of a stand-alone. it's your operating system that determines if it will work for you
http://electricquilt.com/online-shop...20Requirements . there are a lot of good questions and answers as well as reviews on amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Electric-Quilt.../dp/B002XNWLJ0 .
the book comes with the software. i've not really opened the book. yes, you can print foundation patterns. it's really worth getting.