Skadoodles:
Below is how I did it. A little different then using avrdude, but this worked for me.
[original post]
I'm a newbie. Success first try!
Details:
Chips = ATMEGA328P-PU. I bought these blank chips from Mouser specifically because it's what came on my UNO. (I have not tried any others). http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Atmel/ATMEGA328P-PU/?qs=K8BHR703ZXguOQv3sKbWcg%3D%3D
Wiring: exactly like this http://arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/ArduinoToBreadboard (except I'm not using the IDE at all, just the diagram at the top showing how to hook things up).
Downloaded WestfW's optiLoader from GitHub - WestfW/OptiLoader: Arduino sketch for burning new bootloaders
Loaded sketch in UNO, stuck blank chip in ZIF socket on the breadboard, and it worked first time no problems.
I did have the UNO hooked up to USB on the computer (not required) just to read the mesages.
Took chip over to my Arduino-on-a-breadboard tester and uploaded Blink pgm just fine.
It took me awhile to try this as I had read a lot of posts where some were having troubles burning the bootloader onto a blank chip.
Thank all of you great contributors who answer questions, and especially Bill Westfield for optiLoader!