Is there a noob's guide to flashing firmware?

Has anyone put together a guide for a noob to flash their first driver?

Hardware needed, where to buy it, approximate price?

How to modify the hardware (I read something about changing the pins on the clip)?

Software needed, where to get (buy?) it, how to use it?

Other tools or tips/tricks of the trade?

Here you go:

How to flash firmware:

How to make Hex file: