gump

i guess this is a computer based discussion if not just more it where it belongs.

ok a little background... i am a complete cnc cad/cam newb. i used to machine alot but after i had a car accident i gave it up. well i'd like to get back into the field again using a cad/cam program. trouble is i'm not really sure where to start. there are so many programs out there and i'm just not sure which is right.

id like to have a program that i can draw a part in then send it to a cnc mill to start the process. i know there's more to it than that and there's where i'm lost. i've been playing with solidworks and mastercam for drawing parts but i can't seem to figure out how to send it to a mill. i know theres a program that converts .dxf files to g-code then you can copy and paste the code to the mill but id like to have it all computer controlled. i'd also like to have the program show the tool path and cutting progress. any suggestions? thanks