We started with VNS 7, and still use the VNS software, version 10 now. We have installed upgrades as they became available, but will not buy ver 11

We like the VNS software, but not the price of charts. For example, we paid about $600 for the charts for the UK, but can buy same info on an iPhone for $15, or full iPad resolution for about $40.

With Baltic sailing planned for next summer, we are looking at about $2000 for full coverage. We already have it on the iPad for under $100. The information on the Navionics charts for iPad is 99.99% same as Nobeltec. Occasionally we see a sounding on iPad that Nobeltec misses, and occasionally the reverse.

The various owner changes at Nobeltec have made life complicated. We have found the Nobeltec people nowadays very helpful, but I think they have a policy of supporting only reasonably recent versions. You may have to upgrade (which is not a bad idea anyway)

Now Nobeltec offer Trident navigation software instead of VNS, with much less expensive charts, but it does not support our radar. Nobletec tell me they are stuck with some contract with Jeppesen/Boeing on the charts for VNS

If you sail in one area, then the price of VNS charts is not too important. However, if you keep moving as we do, the cost is high.

I think you will have same radar as we do, that connects by USB, via a conversion box. The more recent, (Radar PC2 I think) version using ethernet is supported by Trident.

All you need to operate VNS is in their PDF help file. It is just a scan of the paper manual.
Installation is not simple, so you need the install manual.

Our manuals are on board Milvina, presently on the hard in Germany, whereas we live in Quebec, so I have no access to them till we go back on board in April. However, I have most, or perhaps all, in PDF here. If you give me your direct Email and I will send them to you.

One undocumented but critical issue. We have found it necessary to power up the radar, wait at least half a minute, then boot the computer. Turning on radar after the computer leaves us with a dead scanner, not turning or giving a signal

Another issue is that the baud rate for the communications occasionally resets itself to wrong rates, so radar dies. Easy to reconfigure inside VNS configuration screen, once you spot the issue .