I just wanted to ask if I need anything else then fear and loathing to make maps on windows. If I do, please let me know where I can download the appropriate programs.
for good overall "here's the steps you need to do and the thigns you need to do to create a map" style guides I would recommend Heal with Steel's Newbie mapmaking guide & Cydonian's Mapmaking tutorial. For colormapping, Clem's mapmaking walkthrough is the most comprehensive.