you are aware that there are many other as good and better microprocessors?
This may be the case
stevech, but the Microchip PIC range has extensive support and many people use them and are confortable with them.
Becasue of this, the process of learning is made easier becasue many people will be able to answer any questions a newbie may have about a PIC.
This is just my opinion of course...
In answer to
rkelly47's question,
I would start with the PIC16F84A or the PIC16F628A
These are both 18 pin devices and the 628A is a more updated version of the 84A, although the 84A is still in use.
However they do not have ADC capabilities, but when it comes to support, you wont run out!
If you want to go straight to a PIC device that has ADC capabilities, more pins (40) and almost as much support, you can opt for the PIC16F877A.
This is the programmer i use...
PIC Programmer
Once you know how to write the code, the rest is simple when you know how.
You will find a lot of information in the Microchip datasheets.
There is also the instruction set and example code.
But, It is all in assembly language.
Presonally I started with and continue to use assembly language.
Although a lot of people seem to code in C.
There is a user called
atomsoft who i have noticed will help anyone with their C code when ever he can.
As well as many others in this forum of course.
Good luck to you,
hope this answers at least one of your questions...