<newbie alert>

I recently got my samples in from Maxim, and I have opted to use the 420's onboard flash, serial programming through the Max233A ICs. Having only used a Basic Stamp II for applications like this, I'm not sure what to do after this. The most basic questions, like how you program it, and how you get the program on to it are causing me problems. I know you can connect to it via a terminal program on your computer, how do I initiate this? (Will the ds89c420 automatically detect my terminal program and send the familiar line of "hello" data, or do I have to send a command to get its attention?)
I would appreciate some guidance from whoever knows this. (I also hang out in Dalnet #electronics) I appreciate your response. Please email me with any suggestions.