I'm new to this PIC stuff. I have programmed other chips, like FPGA and
HC611, but I was wondering what if i could get a suggestion of a easy to
build and use PIC Programming solution (Software & Hardware). It would
be very helpful. I have listed the specs for the programmer


Needs to work on XP Professional or Linux (prefer XP Pro)
I would like it to program 16F and 18F if possible.
It needs to be cheap

That is all I can think of for specs, but if there any other questions
just ask.

--
http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different
ways.  See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.