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The beginning of a new year always presents us with a perfect opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed and look forward to the year ahead, make plans (call them resolutions if you must), and set goals.

As always, a year is a long time in the tech world, and a lot of things happened in 2008. Our own little corner of it (Tech Tips) is no exception. In this issue of Tech Tips, we’ll take a look back at some of the articles we brought you in 2008.

In January of 2008, we took a look at some of the then brand-new technology on display and products being rolled out at the annual Consumer Electronics Show (“CES”) in Las Vegas, and this year will be no different as we report on CES 2009 and what’s new, interesting, and exciting in the world of geeky gadgetry.

Among other things, one of the most notable announcements at CES 2008 was that Toshiba was abandoning its HD-DVD format, thereby anointing Sony’s Blu-ray the physical content distribution format for high-definition video. In a three-part article in May of 2008, we explored the development of blue laser technology and of Format War II as Sony sought (and found) revenge for the defeat of Betamax some 20 years ago.

Also in January, we examined The Megapixel Myth which talks about why the number of megapixels isn’t the only specification you should look at when considering the purchase of a digital camera.

In February, we discussed How to be a Video Pro and listed several tips you might want to read (or re-read) if you were good geek last year and Santa Claus left a new digital video camera under your tree.

In March, we looked at how to edit digital photos with Google’s free Picasa application, and in April we examined how to convert your DVDs and all the video you’ve just expertly shot using your new digital camcorder to a compact, high-quality, portable format using Handbrake, as well as some practical solutions to the growing problem of electronic waste.

The summer months of June and July, respectively, gave us some great tips on what to look for when buying a hard drive and a look at the mandated national conversion from analog to digital television. With the deadline for this transition set for February 17, 2009, now is a perfect time to re-visit this Tech Tip and make sure you have all your bases covered so you don’t miss any of your favorite TV shows.

In August, we brought you 4 Things to Consider When Buying a Laptop, as well as an article that many will find especially useful now that the weather has turned wintry, Staying Powered Up When the Power Goes Down. In September we explored digital photo editing with popular Picasa alternative IrfanView.

In October we turned our eye to the next phase in Google’s quest for world domination with the release of their web browser, Chrome, asking “future, or fad?” In November, we tried to clear up some of the confusion surrounding all of the various CPUs on the market with our Buyer’s Guide to CPUs, and in December, our own Bryan Lambert gave you the inside track on how to be “Geek Like Me”.

Obviously, with nearly 50 Tech Tips articles in a given year, these are only a few of our highlights from 2008; click here for the complete archive of Tech Tips articles all the way back to #1. Or, become part of the conversation and join the Tech Tips community and visit our blog – we welcome your comments!

We sincerely hope that we have provided you with a wealth of useful, entertaining, and occasionally thought-provoking information throughout 2008, and we look forward to continuing to be your source for information that will help you survive and thrive in a digital world – have a Geeky New Year!