Welcome to embroidery Barbara!
You don't nee software on your laptop to get started. Try stitching with what is on your machine (it has some built-in designs) and then you'll be able to get an idea of what if anything else you want. This machine will accept new designs on a USB stick. You can download a design onto your USB and put that in your embroidery machine and stitch it.
Some people want software so they can preview and re-color or do minor edits to their designs. For this I recommend Embroidery Tool Shed (free). Some want to really edit and add text and, for them they might enjoy Embrilliance Essentials software. Others want to create their own designs from scratch or with software help. For that there are Inspirations software packages (that you can preview in Tool Shed) or there's Embrilliance StitchArtist. But you don't need any of these just to get started.
Here's a page that is educational about this machine, and includes the types of accessories you may want.
https://www.janome.com/machines/embroidery/mc-350e...
For needles, you'll need some 75/11 ball point or sharp home embroidery needles (flat shank). Ball are for knits, sharp are for woven fabrics. For thread, find a 40 weight embroidery thread. We sell several brands here. You'll either want pre-wound bobbins, or bobbins you can wind yourself. Personally I use pre-wound unless I want my bobbin to match the top thread color. You'll also need some stabilizers in tearaway and cutaway varieties (cutaway is recommended for most clothing items). And I recommend you get a Dime hoop mat to hold your hoop while you prepare your stabilizer and fabric.
You can buy designs for this machine here at Embroidery.com. Just look for designs that are in SEW or JEF format , and within 137mm (5.39") x 196mm (7.72") in size. They should all be compatible.
There's quite a bit to get familiar with in embroidery. I hope this helps you to take it one step at a time.
Barbara M.
Yesterday I got a Janome Memory Craft 350e at an auction. I’m so excited to learn how to use it. Do I need a software package on my laptop? Is the software on the machine supposed to be updated? I’ve never done machine embroidery, how do I know what thread, needles or anything else I need to begin using it? I have the manual, so that’s the very basic how to, but is this the place to buy designs, are they all kind of compatible with my machine, or do they need to be software specific? So many questions? Plus, I got it home and found out everything is there except the power cord, so I’m waiting on that.