>my planned projects, I'll be working primarily with the 16F84 and 16F872

Tip number one, don't buy anymore 16f84s,
buy 16f628 instead cheaper more memory and features.

Things a beginner should know
http://www.piclist.org/techref/piclist/begin.htm

Projects a beginner should build
http://www.piclist.org/techref/piclist/cheapic/index.htm

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