Re: PIC novice
Another option, and very tempting one, is to start with PICAXE - this is PIC microcntroller with BASIC interpreter ..
To program it you don't need any special programmer - just standard serial port and two resistors ..
All data sheets, software and examples can be downloaded for free from:
**broken link removed**
Also, seach this forum for PICAXE and you will find some very interesting examples of applications based on PICAXE microcontrollers ..
Regards,
IanP