Yes with ATMEL chips ( the AT/T 89C series) you need the FLIP software that is free to download. Or the ATMEL ISP software for the AT89S series. Also free. But this needs a special parallel cable- not the normal serial one.

You need a crystal - suggest start with the 11.0952 Mhz. It can accomodate lots of standard baud rates in case you need them.

Use 2 nos of 30PF disc capacitors alongwith the crystal.

You will then need a reset controller and a RS232 level convertor like the MAx 232.

Thats it. You can be now programming your first code for download.

Good luck

Raghu