If you are a windows user, id recommend downloading cygwin - i found programming/compiling assembly under windows a chore and would recommend finding yourself a linux machine if poss.
nasmw = compiler for windows
nasm = compiler for linux
been a while since i did any, but for some reason it is strangely rewarding to write thousands of lines of code to do a very simple operation. If you need more help let us know - i wouldnt mind refreshing my knowledge.