thank you for all of the help. I am currently using mplab, but i could switch to MicroCode Studio. I have learned Java , and a little bit of Basic and C in the past. My final goal is to be able to create a pic that can read multiple low voltage digital and analog 4-20ma sensors, communicate with me remotely, and if possible control servos as a response to the readings from the analog and digital inputs. To achieve this I originally used National Instrument's DAQ tools and Labview, but I feel that PIC's are more flexible and cost-effective. Thanks again for all of your help.