First go to http://www-us.semiconductors.philips.com/handbook/...us_66.html and download the documents with FAM in the name. That will give you insight in how a microcontroller works. Then from http://www-us.semiconductors.philips.com/mcu/downl...ssemblers/ get the metalink assembler and print the manual. Also at the philips site, you will find a lot of application notes which gives you insight in how others use uCs. If you can afford it, get a EB-51 from Ceibo ($400 if bought from Philips, more if bought from Ceibo) it has lights and switches and allow you to singlestep through your program. Then when you make your first project it works as a in-circuit-emulator, a wonderful debugging tool.
Whatever you do remember the important part: Have fun
Erik