Firmware is you choice.
In my view only 3 real choices in order of my preference
Marlin2
Klipper (needs a controlling pc always, rpi is fine)
Repetier Firmware
Control software, start with pronterface/printrun
slicer software. Slic3r or PrusaSlicer
you start with firmware and configure it for your hardware.
You can work out most things except thermistor types, but a machine that old is very likely to be type 1