Set up xbee so that computer can read data sent

I would like to know some things about the xbee, that the manual seems to lack in and thats a beginner’s tutorial. Something that will help someone like me set the xbee up so that I can read the data in a C or other program lang. Im a bit lost on how to do it now.

Also why are there so many analog and digital inputs and outputs? why wouldnt there just be one input and one output?

One place to start is how all the settings are set. I have a chip, where do i set things like the SP parameter (Cyclic Sleep Period). Where is this done?

Thanks

Message was edited by: eddie