It's hard to give exact tips without knowing the model of the machine.
I have a Brother machine that I purchased many years ago, when I first began machine embroidery. It still stitches well, and I have only done minor maintenance on it myself; have never taken it for any repairs. I use basic Embird to convert formats, and its Iconizer plug-in to view designs in full size/color/info within folders to where I have downloaded them. The word workhorse is overused for the Brother brand, so I will just say it is more than a workhorse. It is the winner of the "Brands" race! Love my "Brother"!
Hugs, Angel
Hi and welcome. I have PE design with my Brothers but I am sure you can still use your Janome design and convert to Pes with Wilcom. Someone with more knowledege will give you all the info
Hi, I have both Brother and Janome machines, the 11000 is a wonderful machine, but I have found that the newer brother machines are not as good as they used to be, I love the 3000D but the ones after that dont seem as good.,( sorry Brother) I have windows 7 and I use Buzz Explore. Fantastic program and under $250.00 displays most formats and will change Janome to Brother with no problems at all. I have never had a problem with it. The program has lots of good features..