hi richmon74,
for a newbie I would recommend a small and well known µC
this could be for example:
1. Microchip PIC 16F84
you will find stuff in magazines and Internet
free assembler from microchip.com
free (!) c-compiler at htsoft.com
2. Atmel AVR
there are devices that are in system programmable (isp)
you'll find schematic and software for programmer with google
3. Industry standard Intel 8051
for example flash type Atmel 89C52, 8k for code, some bytes ram on chip
now shortform:
- read datasheet of controller
- understand ports and registers
- write small code in assembler (blinking LED)
- switch to high level language, better c than basic
don't underestimate: you will have work for months !!!
good luck
thomaz