> The best available tools are free. Go to the Microchip site and get MPLAB
>  (assuming you are running a Windows box). While you are there, get the data
>  sheets for the processor you are interested in. There is a short tutorial
>  that comes with the package to get you started. After that, just play
>  around, see what th different instructions do.

   I have a feeling I'll be on this piclist for a while, you all are great at
bringing quick responses, thanks!  I am running Win95 and I have downloaded
the datasheet for the 16F84 a while ago, and it *did* help me understand the
part better...well, a little better. Thanks to Don @ dontronics: I have been
to your site briefly but didn't know what I was looking for...I do now!  I'm
not too worried about starting out with the Basic stamp or its
derivatives...are the PIC BASIC compilers going to work with the '84 directly
through the programmer, or is that just for the Basic Stamp?
   Thanks again.

  Aaron