Making a programmer

I want to make a microcontroller programmer myself, rather than paying the $80+ required to buy one. I need it to be compatible with some programming software, I'm not really biased because I'm completely new to microcontrollers. Any helpful websites/ tutorials would be greatly appreciated. I have tried Google, but I want something that comes with a good review/recommendation that I can trust.

Have you tried reading the sticky at the top of this forum?.

You also don't mention what you want to program!.