SW = software.What is a SW?
Thank you.
It's the file extension in PICKit 3 directory in 8.40
The standalone PK3 fw probably not the latest > [ 1-44-26 ] there are lots of versions out there , unfortunately not all are compatible with all Microchip IDE software, The advantage of working with MPLAB(X) is being able to edit / build and run from a single program. PK3 will need to load PIC device files at some stage. Your 'clone' probably had a old fw version ? , what version has it now got ? . We were all newbee at one time it takes patience and a degree of logic to succeed but very rewarding ,I am still learning 18 Years on... I am a big believer in walking before you run, what PIC device / board / code . do you plan to use, The tutorial is a good route as per stb post ( I'm finding your posts a little confusing )It downloads latest firmware and 'that's that'.
A bit of unsolicited advice. When you're a newbie, listen! And don't argue with the experts. They may eventually decide to stop responding. As Heinlein once wrote, "Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the pig."
I am qualified to make thus comment, because when I first joined a forum, I was the pig. Fortunately, in my first thread I learned not to argue with the experts.
Easy. Buy a real pic kit 3. Seriously pretty much everyone here has a real pic kit III or II or both. Clones are way too much trouble for the small amount of money that they save.How do we fix this please?