Any experience with cnc-step machines?

I am considering of buying a cnc milling machine.
 do have good Linux experience and own a Lasercutter (which came as a set to assemble), but I am new to this kind of machines. The cnc-step support confirmed that their milling machines can be run with Linux cnc, but with no support.
I didn't had any resuls with the forum search, hence the question(s):
-Is there experience with this particular machines?
-If not, what kind of information do I need to gather about the controller to get it working?
(here is the information of the site: www.cnc-step.com/5-channel-stepper-motor-controller/ )

Let me know, if this is even the right way to start my information gathering or what a better approach I should do for this.

My recommendation would be to buy a Mesa 7i96s and do it yourself. You will get a better performing machine, probably for the same money without limitations from the parallel port

Does it actually use two parallel ports?

Not clear it it actually works with a parallel port.
it has a built in  controller with Ethernet connectivity.
Do they support LinuxCNC directly?

It seems to only have one (LPT like) connector
 

It seems those pics are bit outdated (or I got the wrong link. Here is the official manual:
www.cnc-step.com/wp-content/uploads/2021...-Series_Zero4_EN.pdf
Which clearly has an Ethernet connectivity (page 5 ff).

As for the "direct support" of LinuxCNC: I'm unsure.  This quote from from the specs sheet suggest so:
"Operating System with Software
KinetiC-NC, WINPC-NC, MACH3, EMC, Linux CNC:
Windows / Linux"

rodw wrote:

My recommendation would be to buy a Mesa 7i96s and do it yourself. You will get a better performing machine, probably for the same money without limitations from the parallel port
 

 

Well. do you mean to only use that controller and the mentioned machine or use the Mesa 7i96s an build the cnc hardware by myself?