Comment Re:What OS was that? (Score 2) 240
I've written software for CNC machines that use either Fanuc or Seimens controllers. The controller part of the system talks to another Linux system on the machine that is in charge of executing G-code and interfacing directly with the machine. All the controller really does is create the program and pass it off to the Linux system.
It's easy to understand though why this software is written for Windows. The first controllers had completely custom software, then switched to DOS because it was easier, then Windows because it was a natural step from DOS. With machines like this, there is often a few different pieces of software an operator will run to cut different types of parts.