Look here for some project ideas
http://hackaday.com/category/attiny-hacks/
It’s like asking what can you do with a computer?
The answer is, a zillion different things.
People manage to use Linux to program these chips.. I use
an old XP box on the bench to do it.. I use Linux to surf the web since it’s far safer than Win. I’m sure a google search would enlighten about using Linux with the Atmel processors. Also, try this link http://www.ladyada.net/learn/avr/
You can build a lot of projects on a solderless breadboard but I recommend learning some soldering skills. I have seen quite a few tiny85 projects done as point to point soldered projects without even a circuit board.
thanks. I’ve never had soldering skills so I’d have that whole skill set to acquire. Please let me know if you decide to do the tutorial.