If you are not going to do anything besides opening and transferring your files, Embrilliance does have a free program,I cannot remember the name, but the website is very helpful.
Also, the Designers Gallery is really good program. Both of these programs have additions that can be purchased as your skills improve.
For an all out embroidery program, I would suggest Floriani Total Control-U. Not cheap, but no dongle, free monthly designs, video training on their "club site" ( once you purchase, you join the club and have unlimited videos and seminars. Best to purchase at a Floriani event, they offer better pricing and lots of free goodies.
I would also recommend Designers Gallery Creator (a digitizing program in 3 parts, and can be purchased separately or as a full digitizing program....a learning curve and you have to use it to gain confidence) . You also can add their DG Advanced, and you are in a full embroidery mode.
With all 3 programs, you have all the tools to design and digitize, your own designs, or you can manipulate designs by other companies.
I have an Aventura as my back up machine. I have a Destiny and the Enterprise 10 needle and use both programs. I am still learning each program every day. Just like playing the piano, or being a chef, you have to practice and work at it.
Don't be overwhelmed, read everything you can. Every (good) company will have a customer service department that will answer question or give you a dealer name in your area that can help you with your decision. Do not be persuaded to purchase something that is recommend, saying it is the only one that you machine will use. Your machine extension is .pes and almost every program will allow you to save in that extension.
Good luck.