When the original Design Patterns (GOF) book was published back in 1995 it defined 20+ object patterns. These patterns, the book argued, were standard ways to combine objects in order to solve common software problems. Fast forward to 2005 and it becomes apparent that more and more software companies are choosing to implement patterns. And it's not just companies either. Book authors are writing books explaining how to write patterns in particular languages (Design Patterns C# Head First Design Patterns (Java) Microsoft Visual Basic Design Patterns ) Other authors are proposing new patterns, in essence extending the original couple dozen patterns with fresh new ones that solve other software problems.
There is a web site that gathers all the patterns currently published in one central location. http://www.patternshare.org/ Use it to search through patterns and find the book or website that contains more details about your desired pattern.
Guess who the major motivator is behind this site? Microsoft. Surprised? Don't be. There is a major push at Microsoft to promote patterns, standard architecture, code blocks and much more. Just take a trip to http://www.microsoft.com/resources/practices/default.mspx and see for yourself.