Programming via ISP can be complex when you're not used to it (I can tell you from personal experience). Apart from the technique I explain in the tutorial, there are a multitude of other ways to use ...

The ISP allows you to program Arduino boards and other AVR microcontrollers using another Arduino board that is dedicated for the purpose. Programming a newly-developed Arduino board using a fully ...

On the other hand if you already have the Arduino, fetch the avr.isp.03 firmware and AVRdude. Then program a device, for example an ATtiny13 using the Ardunio as the programmer.

The tutorial is fairly straightforward, and even demonstrates how the Arduino can be used as an ISP for the ATtiny, removing the need to purchase a standalone programmer.

To start, you need to buy an Arduino. It comes pre-assembled or, for those handy with a soldering iron, in kit form. A fully assembled Diecimila board from the excellent Make costs just $35.