>I'm new to this PIC stuff.

Welcome!

>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

Further definition of "cheap" might be useful here, as well
as some idea of what you're willing to put up with.  My
recommendations might run something like this:

ICD2+MPLAB:  Microchip supported all around, works as
a programmer and an in-circuit debugger.  Cost: $159
from Digikey.

Warp13a+MPLAB+Engage:  What I use now; plays very
well with MPLab, and has generally been pretty user
friendly and powerful.  Also does ICSP, but no debug.
Cost: ~$100

Wisp628+MPLAB+Wouter-ware:  I've heard nothing but
glowing reviews about this, and I've been thinking about
making/buying one for a friend who's thinking about PICs
as a hobby.  I'm a little hesitant to dive into the Python
scripting, but sooner or later I'm sure I'll have to.  Cost:
Less than $40 assembled from Wouter's webshop, or
less, since he's been kind enough to post details for
making your own on his webpage.

In order of preference, just slide down until you hit your
desired cost.

Mike H.

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