Rob:

VB5 and VB6 are pretty much completely compatable.  I would say that MS just
put in some extra stuff for the VB6.  However since I have not used 5 I can't
tell you the specifics.  I have, however, used quite a few projects and
modules written in 5 and they they worked flawlessly in 6.  I take it that
what you want to do is be able to send your program via the parallel port to
the PIC programmer.  I also do that however for the day to day comms with the
PIC and/or Stamp I use serial as it has always been more than adequate for my
use.

Randy A.