Oh my gosh I can so relate to being forced to buy software, just so I could look at the designs! And having to use my computer to download designs and all that learning scared me to pieces. I agree that we do get somewhat blind sided when we don't know anything about how it all works. I was in tears the first year. And spent way more than I was wanting to spend. Now I look at it as maybe a blessing in disguise because I now have what I need. If I had known what I was getting into I may of not bought anything with an embroidery feature. Now it is one of my most cherished parts of sewing and quilting and gifting. Who would of thunk??!!!