It seems like you are asking a "what the hell would you do" question, and I'll tell you (even though it looks like 50 other people have) 1. I would not move directly to a high level language. Assembly can look very very confusing but IMO it is *fundamental* to knowing how things work. If you don't know how things work and you have some problem with your high-level code, where do you go? [I would use C after learning at least how a few assembly programs work] 2. Do not get the melabs programmer. They are overpriced for what they are and will keep charging you for software. They did it to me when I was getting into PICs, they'll do it to you. Everyone has their favorite programmer, mine happens to be Wouter's Wisp628. Olin sells a programmer too, I've never used it. 3. A development/carrier board can be good. I, personally, use a breadboard to prototype circuits. You need a crystal [or not, depending on if you want a fast clock or 4MHz internal clock for the 16f877], a resistor, and hopefully a regulated power supply. To endorse Wouter once again, he has an online shop at: The prices are good and it is mainly a lot of stuff for the MCU crowd. Shipping to the US is quite reasonable too. -- -- Martin Klingensmith http://infoarchive.net/ http://nnytech.net/ _______________________________________________ http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist