Check out this valuable source of imagination! Also look into their forum.

CCS C compiler.

CCS offers a wide range of compilers and development tools.

We are currently using the PCWHD compiler which supports the 16F, 18F and dsPIC chips used in our projects. Thanks to the many examples and great forum, there's always a solution at hand when developing new projects. The PCWHD compiler also supports the PIC10, PIC12 and PIC24 families.

• CCS discounts: development kits.
• Useful support pages and forum search.
• Includes Libraries and examples.
• Works from within MPLAB IDE.
• Compiler version overview.

WinPIC 800 USB dsPIC programmer & bootloader.

Is a small USB programmer with great value! The software application is free and you can buy a KIT to save on the hardware programmer.

RS232 terminal & bootloader.

• Tiny PIC bootloader for 16f and 18F chips.
• For dsPIC chips: our own modified command-line dsPICProgrammer: see omniboard bootloading.
• Or use the Windows 2000/XP terminal screen or third party terminal software.
• RS232 PIC <-> PC hardware interface: how to build it.

PCB Eagle CAD.

Eagle CAD for the schematic & PCB layout. 

Windows GUI and applications development.

The Windows applications with USB connectivity were made with C# within Microsoft Visual Studio .NET 2003  and Microsoft Visual C# 2008-2010 (Express) Editions.