This is a step by step guide to program an attiny using an arduino uno
most of it is from highlowtech.org, reformatted to be step by step
some of the auxiliary images are from pighixxx.com http://forum.arduino.cc/index.php/topic,146315.0.html
this guide must be followed carefully and in order.
the pictures/slides seen below describe what I've written in the text here. Look at them they have some good arrows and are a bit easier to follow.
1) download and install drivers
2) setup circuit
3) Select board type
4) select programmer type
5) select com port
6) test com port using Blink example
7) open example ArduinoISP and then upload
8) change programmer to arduino-as-ISP
9) change board type to attiny(your version)
10) make sure you have chosen the correct clock speed
11) Install an LED on an empty attiny pin (from pin to ground)
12) open the Blink example again
13) edit Blink to use the correct pin where your LED is on the attiny. NOTE: the pin number you put in the code is not the same as the pin number on the manufacturer's pinout diagram. get this right.
14) click upload and it should blink
15) now open your desired code and upload that.
some useful diagrams about arduino Uno pins and what they do:
