The “cha-ching” of cash registers has slowed to a more normal pace, and the holiday festivities have come to their annual crashing end. It’s back to business as usual for most of us, including CIOs.

If December was a blur and you didn’t find the time to browse CIO Republic as often as you like to, check out CIO Republic’s top 10 articles, as selected by our members.

The list includes advice on how to land that next CIO gig, which 2002 tech predictions fell flat, and more than a few tips for cost savings in the coming year.

December’s top 10

  • “Plan for 2003 with these five technology trends”
    Undaunted by a few misses in his 2002 predictions (see number six on the list), columnist Tim Landgrave provides a technology forecast for 2003. Find out why he believes wireless connectivity will be commonplace and what he thinks about the future of desktops.
  • “How to land the perfect CIO job”
    Don’t just sit there; actively seek out your next CIO role. Get step-by-step instructions for landing a new IT leadership role, including how-to tips for watching the IT market and networking.
  • “Do tech ‘Einsteins’ make good managers?”
    Sure they’re expert problem solvers, but do those tech “Einsteins” have what it takes to be good managers? Find out what CIO members have to say about the care and promotion of these savvy savants.
  • “Cutting costs tops CIO priorities”
    Columnist Jon Oltsik outlines a CIO’s four main priorities, from cutting costs to aligning IT goals with overall business strategy. And, despite an economic climate that creates desperation for some, Oltsik asserts that the timing for advancing main objectives is now. Find out why.
  • “Use this simple and cheap tool for IT audits and security efforts”
    A TechRepublic member provides a color-coded stoplight chart to quickly and easily communicate security ratings. Use it to provide a simple, cost-effective ratings system to improve security across your organization.
  • “2002 tech predictions get a low grade”
    Nobody’s perfect, as columnist Tim Landgrave notes in his examination of his 2002 predictions. Here’s a rundown of the few hits and many misses. You’ll also find out why he blames a sluggish economy for the off-the-mark forecasting.
  • “Application development survey of IT managers reveals top concerns”
    This synopsis of a Gartner survey reveals a gap between available development skills and organizations’ preferred development styles. While this is of great concern to many CIOs, Gartner asserts that most are barking up the wrong tree when it comes to their proposed solutions for the skills shortage. Find out if you’re guilty of “wishful thinking.”
  • “Linux’s TCO not free but still impressive”
    If you’re considering a Linux installation, be sure not to skip any steps in determining its total cost of ownership (TCO). Factors such as hardware, support services, and server numbers may make or break its cost-effectiveness for your organization.
  • “Job site captures cost savings and stronger efficiencies with .NET”
    This story of sweet success chronicles an online job site’s move to the .NET platform to combat sluggish servers and a reduced IT staff among many development priorities. Learn how its IT department saved money and valuable development time they can now devote to critical business initiatives.
  • “Establishing financial credibility”
    More advice from Gartner rounds out the December 2002 top 10 list. This time, Gartner prescribes a five-step plan to help IS organizations establish financial credibility.