We use the PICPgm Develop Software for writing our codes into the Flash Memory of the PIC Microcontroller. PICPgm is very good open source software for Windows. Works well with Windows 98, XP and Vista. It supports even our JDM based programmer circuit. Here is a Screenshot of the software as you open it (without connecting any hardware circuitry).

Now, if you just connect the Programmer Hardware PCB (without the actual PIC Microcontroller IC placed on it) to the Serial Port of the Computer CPU (through a Serial Port Connection Wire), and press the ‘Autodetect Programmer Hardware’ Button … you will get to see the type of Programmer Hardware, as follows:

Now additionally, if you place any 40?pin PIC Microcontroller IC (belonging to the 16F or 18F Series) on the zip socket, and press the ‘Autodetect PIC Type’ button … you will get to see the IC Number.
(You can also program a non?40?pin PIC IC using the external pin connector, instead of using the zip?socket)

Download pdf PIC Serial Programmer Tutorial