there are several others, but I've found CC5x to be the most usable among the free versions
I never found any tutorials, but there are at least some code examples and for the most part CC5x is compatible with standard C (obviously with some extra stuff to deal with PIC internal hardware, etc) so if you know C, you shouldn't have any problem at all with it.
Well, i would go for the c2c compiler, and soon to be released boostc compiler.
There is a free BETA version of the boostc compiler avaliable for download, and the c2c compiler costs only $80. I got my licence off ebay for $35/£20 which was a bargin. Apparently there will be a upgrade to the c2c licence for the boostc licence when it is release.
I have been using it for a couple of weeks and it works pretty well.
Yes, there are plenty of pic C compilers out there, just google.
However, pic16's aren't a realy good for programming in C, their small instruction set makes it hard for a compiler to generate efficient code.
Therefore programming in C will fill even a 'f877 very fast...
If you really want to persue programming in C i suggest the Pic18 series with microchips own C compiler. Or atmel AVR's wich have the advantage of a very good free C compiler.
ok downloaded the MPLAG IDE 7 from microchip site and also the quickstart.pdf but the quickstart says a lot of things there is not(files i must open atc.)i there a better helpstart avalible that goes with MPLAB IDE 7?
There is a also a full users guide which contains info. for all features of MPLAB7. It can be downloaded at the same place where you downloaded the quick start guide.