It depends on the computer your using any thing newer then
Windows 98 and a PC made for 98 will not likely have a com
port that is able to make 12 to 13 volts on vpp like evey one
been saying here.
The problem here is not really the programmer its the computer
Serail port newer hardware uses lower voltage levels you could test vpp
And see what your getting . If low you could boost it with some AA batterys
Sarma Posted this JDM over on the first page I removed the Chip and show how it would be used as ICSP
Now here how you hook this up you find the Data sheet for the chip you want to program and find these pins MCLR ICSPDAT ICSPCLK or they may be called PGD AND PGC
So here the programmer showing how to set it up I didn't show crystal and caps I figure you no how to add them
I would build the programmer in the Picture it uses power supply for MCLR and the will let you program more chips even the 18f452 should be doable with it and the software posted for it.