| 100 things you needed to know in 2008
Notice to subscribers: Due to the holiday season, Daily Digest will not be delivered on Dec. 25, 2008. It's been a download-packed year at TechRepublic, with more than 500 new items added to the downloads library. Topping the charts: our ever-popular 10 Things lists. So we thought it only fitting to wind up the year by sharing, well, 10 of them. Here are the ones you liked best. Subscribe to TechRepublic's Downloads RSS
#1: 10+ essential (and free) Windows applications
See how to make the most of your computer without spending a dime on software by installing these handy, well-behaved apps. #2: 10 Firefox extensions you can't live without
Whether you want to speed access to your favorite Web sites or protect your system from dangerous active content, there's a Firefox extension to help you out. #3: 10 ways you might be breaking the law with your computer
Legislation that affects the use of Internet-connected computers is springing up everywhere. In fact, you might be breaking the law without even knowing it. #4: 10 Windows XP tricks and timesavers
Take advantage of top tips, from gathering MAC addresses to creating custom characters to removing resource-consuming device drivers you no longer need. #5: 10 fundamental differences between Linux and Windows
Before debating the relative merits and shortcomings of Linux and Windows, it helps to understand the real distinctions between them. #6: 10 things to love (and hate) about IE 8
Does IE 8 offer legitimate enhancements -- or is it just more of the same? One IT pro says IE 8's new features include some big improvements. #7: 10+ things you should know about rootkits
Malware-based rootkits fuel a multibillion dollar spyware industry and generate untold amounts of spam. Here's a look at what rootkits are and what to do about them. #8: 10 ways to survive office politics
Gossip, rivalry, power plays, deceit -- fine for movies and TV, but potentially disastrous in the workplace. Learn about issues that could unravel company culture and hurt your career. #9: The top 10 Vista sidebar gadgets
Not everyone is a fan of Vista gadgets, but Deb Shinder has a collection of them that she finds very useful. Here are her favorites. #10: 10 ways to improve your office etiquette (and avoid being the annoying co-worker)
These guidelines will help you -- or maybe the irritating colleague in the next cube -- avoid distracting and potentially obnoxious behavior. What about last year? Revisiting the biggest concerns of years past can often be illuminating. The hottest 10 Things download for 2005? 10+ things you should know about troubleshooting a slow PC. For 2006? 10 customization tricks to save you time in Windows XP. And here's a look back at some of the top downloads of 2007: What about next year?We've said it before, but it's always worth reiterating: Our downloads are designed to help you get your IT work done as painlessly and efficiently as possible. We're continually looking for ways to improve the usefulness of these resources, but we need your feedback. Please take a minute to drop us a line and tell us what to focus on in 2009. Happy holidays from The TechRepublic Content Team! White Papers from our partners | 