AVR-Chat

If you want a very low-cost programmer without needing an adapter for each 
chip, get a Butterfly ($20), a Butterfly Carrier 
(http://www.ecrostech.com/Products/Butterfly/Intro.htm) and a breadboard 
(Radio Shack Catalog #: 276-175).  Breadboard the circuit (just a couple of 
wires from the BFly to the target chip, a Xtal and a couple of caps) shown 
in the message thread given below.

Next download a copy of Dean's ButtLoad (AVR Freaks board - 
www.avrfreaks.net/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=35048)

This set will let you program most (if not all) AVRs over your serial port.