At 11:48 24/12/98 -0900, you wrote:
>Happy Holidays!  I'm new to the list and am trying to learn about
>microcontrollers - starting with the PIC.
>
>I am an electronic tech by trade - and am finding that fixing and
>designing are VERY different.
>
>I am willing to learn whatever I have to.  Any tips would be great!!

Try UMPS, you will be able to use also other microcontroller with
the same software: PIC, AVR, HC05, HC11, ST6, COP8, ...

Give it a try:  http://www.vmdesign.com

Merry Christmas,
        Philippe.