Well, if you don't have any experience of working on embedded programming. You should start get some book on PIC controller and learn. Embedded programming is something different programming paradigm compared to normal programming. You are limited to so many and you got achieve your solution with those boundaries. I would personally think you need to buy so good book on PIC. Most probably the book would more concentrating on a single board. I mean the author would choose a board and he goes thought it through the book. One if you can get hold on the terminologies and techniques you should be fine in programming any other controller, provided you have the schematic and the Manuel for that board!!

ssharish