Slightly off the subject, but I chuckle when I see ppl needing PIC programers and bothering with C and compilers etc.
PICAXE PIC basic is free, their PICs absolutely fly at up to 32mhz, one-word hardware interface keywords and literally plug straight into RS232 via the PIC pins for one click download and run, no programmer required. One "count" command is all thats required for encoders and a "serout" to display position on an LCD, no driver code required. And precoded commands to control steppers.