Hi,
Is there a FAQ for PICs anywhere?

I have grounding in MC680x, MC68000, and a bit of 80x86. My training is based on hardware and software (ASM for MC, ASm and higher for x86), but I've been out of it for the past few years.

I've been trying to get back into things, and I see lots of people using the PICs. I've got the microchip CD and am slowly working my way through it, but I have a few questions.

I see mention of fuses, OTP, and such. I know some PICs have address space on the chip... is this what is refered to as fuses?
What would be the best way to get started int PICs.
I would like to be interfacing and controlling both digital and analog signals. Eventually I'd like to have LCD displays. Mostly I'd like to be able to revise my code and alter things.

With a PIC, does it automatically try to read the serial EEPROM on startup (powerup)? or does it attempt to read the OTP code? What is the powerup response of an unprogrammed PIC?

I'm thinking I could have my code in a EEPROM and alter it as I develop my skills and designs, and then program it into the OTP once I'm pleased with it, and ready to embed it.

I like the idea (and low pin count) of serial EEPROM/comms as used in I2C...... Is there a file/description on this to help me understand it? Will a I2C PIC automatically talk to a PC using this with just the comms package on the PC? or does the PIC need additional code to talk to the PC?

Many thanks from this newbie,
Des Bromilow
Australia