[Lady Ada] recently posted a tutorial on burning the Arduino ... few other components would do just fine. A short list of supplies is required, including an Arduino, a proto shield kit, a ZIF ...

In addition to the board and components, it's important to get your hands on some tools for your Arduino kit, too. You'll typically solder pin headers or wires to components, so a soldering kit ...

So you finally decided to hop on the Arduino bandwagon and start making electronic projects as a fun hobby. As a beginner ...