aokweld101, that would be the "Blender" program and can be downloaded
HERE. There is a very steep learning curve on this 3D program if you don't have any background for 3D modeling.
Nathan, you might want to look at "Gimp". his is another free download. But don't be fooled. It is a very powerful program, IMHO, just a notch below the very expensive Photo Shop. I use it to make height maps for some of my patterns. It can be downloaded
HERE.
There is nothing anemic about the 1.187 version of designer you are trying. That comes with your machine and is the only software the CarveWright understands as far as uploading patterns to the machine. In other words, all patterns will have to go thru designer to be uploaded to the machine. You will have to register it when you receive your machine and it will no longer be a "trial", but a full blown version. You have the option to upgrade to the 2.1 version, but there are still a lot of Carvewright Gurus out there still using the 1.187 or even earlier versions. After you learn a little more about the system/software and what it can or can't do you can make the decision as to upgrade or not. Just don't get in a big hurry, read everything you can find, watch every video you can find and practice, practice, practice. Then practice some more. The more you learn the easier it gets and the more fun you have with this amazing machine.
OH! And welcome to the CarveWright family.