loading and using LinuxCnc

I have a Bridgeport EZTRAC that I am getting ready to fire up. I find LinuzCNC intriguing and would like to try it. Problem being, I am not a computer or electronics guru, nowhere close. So I have the following questions:

1. Can I utilize the existing computer board ?
2. Can I add an hard drive to use for storage and booting.
3. After I load LinuxCNC , how do I utilize it?
a. Just load nc programs from my BobCadCam software and go?
b. Do I have to have some sort of drivers ? Other components ?

I cannot think of any other questions at the moment but if anyone takes the time to answer I am sure that will lead to other questions. I would like to learn how to write " Wizards" for holes,slots, keyways , etc. I know that they already exist but would like to exercise my brain to stave off the oldtimers disease that seems to be pending. So fellas , since I am old , 84, please dont beat me up too badly for my amateurish questions.

Ernie

You probably can't use the existing computer, as it probably isn't a normal PC, but rather a dedicated controller. However I could be wrong. Does it appear to be running a standard operating system?

You probably will need some hardware interfaces to connect a PC capable of running Linux to the existing motor controllers.

Do you know anything about the existing hardware? I would guess that it uses DC brushed servos, but Bridgeport have also used stepper motors (on some Boss models) and brushless servos (on more modern stuff)

Someone here has already done this conversion, and might be able to advise:
forum.linuxcnc.org/30-cnc-machines/26797...rt-eztrak-conversion

Andy,

Thanks for your reply. I will do some digging. I think the motors are 90 VDC servos but I will verify that.and report back.