If you are dismayed by the learning curve for Esri's ArcGis programs, let alone the steep price, there is an alternative that I have used for several years now. It is called Maptitude and is powerful yet based on familiar windows layout and so is fairly easy to navigate. You can import most any other GIS format including shape and DXF files. It does not have a "surveying" program as Esri does, but it's functionality is great. I have not gotten into creating my own databases from data, but mostly use it to take the free shape files offered by most State, Federal and Local entities to make my own maps. Everything from tax parcels to ortho-photos and contours.
Last time I purchased (2008), it was about $500 for two seats, so if you are looking for a low cost alternative to get started with GIS, this could be a good solution.
