Mychal.Net

All of us here at Lifehacker wish you a safe and happy New Year. Just in case you missed any of our best-of posts this month, have a recap.

Photo by Joe Shlabotnik.

• Most Popular Top 10’s of 2008
  “Almost two years later, our weekly listicle, the Lifehacker Top 10, still proves to be one of the most popular posts that publishes here.”
• Best New and Improved Software of 2008
  “Mobile phone operating systems and a reheated web browser war: that’s how we’ll recall the year 2008 when it comes to software.”
• Most Underhyped Apps of 2008
  “Now that you’ve seen all the big names and launches of 2008, it’s time to give a nod to the apps that didn’t get the attention they should have this past year.”
• Most Popular Desktops of 2008
  “Over the past year, we’ve featured gobs of great desktops submitted by our readers to the Lifehacker Desktop Show and Tell group on Flickr…”
• The Most Popular Linux Posts of 2008
  “Only around five percent of Lifehacker’s visitors are using the open-source Linux operating system when they stop by, according to our traffic charts, and only one of our editors (ahem) is regularly using it every day.”
• Most Popular How-To Features of 2008
  “From classic topics like Windows tweaking and iPod how-tos to more recent favorites like the iPhone or Wii, our most popular how-to features of 2008 souped up your hardware and squeezed more from your PC.”
• Most Popular Free Windows Downloads of 2008
  “In the past year we’ve highlighted hundreds of Windows apps aimed at making your life easier, boosting your computer productivity, and powering up your PC.”
• Most Popular Free Mac Downloads of 2008
  “We’ve featured gobs of great Mac freeware over the course of the year—now it’s time to check out the best. Keep reading for a look back at the 10 most popular Mac downloads of 2008.”
• Most Popular Linux Downloads of 2008
  “Along with Windows and Mac downloads, this year was chock-full of free software for Linux users. Read on to see what our readers were eager to grab and install on their free desktops.”
• Most Popular DIY Projects of 2008 (and All Time!)
  “When it comes to saving time and money, sometimes the best approach means rolling up your sleeves and doing it yourself. Check out the best DIY projects featured here in 2008 and beyond.”
• Lifehacker’s Most-Discussed Posts of 2008
  “It’s not our posts but reader comments that make Lifehacker the place to discuss new software and technology. Let’s take a look back at the posts that got the most comments in 2008.”
• Lifehacker’s Most Popular Repurposing Posts of 2008
  “From empty CD spindles to canvas tote bags to popped-off keyboard keys, do-it-yourselfers find clever ways to modify and reuse common household items. Check out the most popular repurposing posts we published in 2008.”
• The Great 2008 Reader Poll Results Recap
  “Lifehacker readers are nothing if not smart and opinionated. Let’s take a look back at what you had to say about 2008’s biggest tech questions in the top 12 reader polls we ran this year.”

The Press Association: Free download

AskMen.com - Top 10: Hardest NFL Hits

Before December 1st is officially upon us, make sure you didn’t miss any of November’s greatest hits:

• How to Burn Any Video File to a Playable Video DVD
  “With your BitTorrent addiction in full swing, you’ve filled hard drives with media but can’t seem to figure out how to burn any of the videos you downloaded to a DVD.”
• Customize Your Own Killer “Enigma” Desktop
  “Windows desktop tweaker extraordinaire and Lifehacker reader Kaelri—who brought us the gorgeous Lightning at Sunset desktop and then showed us how to do it ourselves—is back, this time with a fresh new desktop he calls ‘Enigma.’”
• Is Your Printer Wasting Your Ink and Money?
  “Everyone’s been there: You just bought an expensive ink cartridge for your printer, you use it for a while, and then suddenly—much sooner than seems reasonable—your printer tells you that you’re either low on or out of ink.”
• The Complete Guide to Speeding Up Your PC’s Startup
  “You just hit the power button your PC, and now you’ve got enough time to brew a fresh pot of coffee for the entire office—because that’s how long it takes for your computer to go from ‘on’ to ‘ready to work.’”
• Top 10 Things to Look Forward to in Windows 7
  “While the next iteration of the ubiquitous Microsoft desktop operating system, Windows 7, isn’t a dramatic overhaul of its predecessor Windows Vista, it does fix several sore spots and add a few welcome features.”
• Get Windows 7’s Best Features Right Now
  “If you’re tired of hearing about Windows 7’s upcoming features while you sit and stare at your aging XP or Vista desktop, take solace in a few free apps and themes that can give you a taste right now.”
• Free Software We’re Most Thankful For
  “Dear free software developers: Before we American nerds sit down to our turkey and mashed potatoes today, know that your creations are at the top of the list of things we’re most thankful for.”
• Five Best Desktop Customization Tools
  “It’s crazy to think that an operating system can fit every user’s needs out of the box, even if we are just talking about looks.”
• Five Best Remote Desktop Tools
  “Whether you want quick access to your home computer from anywhere in the world or you’re the go-to IT person for your friends and family, remote desktop applications are a godsend.”
• Top 10 Online Freebies and Deals
  “Unless you’re a financial Jedi Knight or economic Sith Lord, you probably don’t have a ton of control over our turbulent economy. What you can reign over is your spending and saving—and when you know where they are, you can take advantage of deep discounts and general freebies across the web.”

Black Friday at BradsDeals.com

Lots of those uh-oh type pictures and videos people e-mail around, all in one location.

the oops list

10 Fascinating Last Pictures Taken - The List Universe

The Great Schlep from The Great Schlep on Vimeo.

“When you’ve just about had it with an incorrect bill, a faulty product, or anything else you have to call a 1-800 number for, waiting for the automated operator to finish listing all the buttons you can push can feel like rubbing salt in the wound. Dial a Human, a web directory of shortcuts and end-runs around unnecessary prompts, eases the pain.” (Lifehacker.com)