Hi David

> I'm attempting to get started with microcontrollers, and after doing
> some searching on the internet I'm even more confused than before.

My adivice is: buy a 16f84, build one of the ultra cheap programmers
from a design available on the web.

If you like assembly get MPASM, (free from uChip)
or you can try one of the simple free HLL's.
Benjamin has already mentioned my JAL.
http://www.xs4all.nl/~wf/wouter/pic/jal

I also have a set of assignments for
beginners that might be interesting.
http://www.xs4all.nl/~wf/wouter/pic/djo/e_index.html

Wouter.