Many thanks to you all for such a fast and helpful response.

It seems unanimous - I need Hi-Tech PIC C.

I've written to Clyde Smith-Stubbs separately, but I was wondering if any of
you have experience of using the Hi-Tech compiler from within MPLAB.  I
assume you just install it as a "language tool".  I was worried that
Hi-Tech's object files (*.obj) might have a different format to the
Microchip standard (*.o) which MPLINK expects.

Are they different, or is it just the extension that's different?

Any other comments with respect to using Hi-Tech's compiler from within
MPLAB would be much appreciated.

Actually, I don't have have a big axe to grind about using MPLAB.  As a
newbie to PIC programming it seems attractive because I can edit, debug and
drive my PICStart Plus programmer all from the one place.  But if there is
something else which is as good or better then I'll happily switch to it.

To summarise, my requirement is for mixed assembly and 'C' programming,
preferably covering the full range of PIC chips, and with an easy-to-use
environment which gives me editing, debugging and PICStart Plus programming
without too much switching between different products.

Does the MPLAB with Hi-Tech C seem like the best option?  Or can you
recommend any other setup which would meet those needs?  I'm completely open
to any advice anyone can offer.

Oh, I should mention that I use NT4 exclusively, if that should make any
difference to your advice.

Again, many thanks for all your help.  You guys must get bored digging
helpless newbies out of the manure!

Steve

Steve Thackery
Suffolk, England.
Web Site: http://www.btinternet.com/~stevethack/