The software is free to download from world electronics. the part you pay for is the little software "KEY" that plugs into the usb port of the laptop. the Dover DMC Key also comes with the cable to interface the dmc system. the key will work on any computer that has the software installed, you just have to enter the serial number from the key when the program asks for it. World sells the key and cable for around 4500 bucks. that does not include the computer, although im sure they will sell it to you. the program that you run on your laptop has much more software then just the dover, you just buy another key for a product. if you want to interface mont miprom21, you buy another key etc. it is a good product, we bought the first dmc product world made, it ran on a windows 98 computer, it is still working, at least it was when i left the company last year