This is a simple to use USB AVR programmer. It is low cost, easy to use, works great with AVRDude, and is tested extensively on a Windows desktop. 

This programmer works really well for ATmega168 and ATmega328 and should work with all the AVR micros supported by AVRDUDE. One of the greatest features of this board is the ability to power the target (up to 500mA) from the programmer. To use this programmer, attach to a Windows machine and install the drivers listed below. Open a command prompt. Assuming WinAVR (and therefore AVRDUDE) have been installed, type:

avrdude -c usbtiny -B 1 -patmega328 -U flash:w:main.hex

Be sure to include the "-B 1" flag as this will significantly increase the programming speed! You may need to change -p flag to your appropriate microcontroller. You can setup a tool and hotkey in Programmers Notepad to do this automatically.

Some people are having trouble installing the drivers to their Windows 7 machines because they are unsigned. There is a workaround available in the documents below.

Features

• Standard AVR ISP programmer
• ATtiny2313 with USBtiny firmware preloaded
• Buffered output
• PTC fuse protected power
• Programmer can power target
• Supports ATmega168/328 and many others
• Two status LEDs
• Both 10-pin and 6-pin targets supported (cable included)

Windows Driver

Windows 7 Workaround