I'm making slow progress on my first foray into CNC,but definitely getting there and now at the point I'm looking into the software. I have CAD programmes to use, though now understand I need a second piece of software to output the G-code, then another to control the machine - correct?

Soo.... I see lots of people talking about mach3 - at $160 it's not bad cost wise, is this "the" programme to get, or as a complete novice should I be looking at something more basic / freeware/shareware?

as for the G-code generator, I would ideally love to be able to do 5 axis as my machine will be extremely easy to convert to it, but I've just looked a the cost of featureworks, and once I'd got back up off the floor and had a shot of brandy decided perhaps I'd never darken their doorstep again. Are there ANY cheap options for going above 3 axis that work well?

I'm essentially clueless on this at the moment, but have a reasonable ability with IT things, so any help very gratefully received!