This is also a time when e-tailers, both local and international, come into their own and have a chance to strut their stuff to an audience that is primed and ready to spend in a frenzy of heavy duty online shopping. We've taken a look at what Australian Internet merchants have done to prevent the consumer overload that took hold last year and what new features have been added to various sites in the lead up to Christmas.
We've also taken a 12 month trip down memory lane and recapped the year that was in technology product and games - two Christmas favourites. All this plus a swag of free holiday downloads and other other useful items, courtesy of the team at ZDNet Austraila.
Listen up for those jingle bells
It's always been hard to ascertain what demand is going to be like--which is probably why Christmas is often referred to as the 'silly season'. And in the current economic climate that can make companies which rely on Christmas online sales very, very jumpy.
Online buyers beware this Christmas
With less than two weeks to go before Christmas and a record number of Australians expected to turn to the Web to buy last-minute festive gifts, RSA Security outlines some precautions to take when shopping online. Make sure you don't get caught out this Christmas.
Silly season settles in online
While the "bricks and mortar" backed e-tailers, such as Dymocks online are expecting traditional Christmas shopping patterns to be repeated online, pure e-tailers and auction sites are beginning to notice the emergence of new buying patterns.
A site for all seasons
Setting style rules based on window size is only the beginning. You can apply the techniques you've learned in other ways as well. Check out how you can develop a site for all seasons by using these handy tips and tricks, brought to you by ZDNet Australia.
2001 - The year that was in technology
2001 was a blockbuster year for technology releases, with several markets experiencing a glut of new product arrivals. ZDNet Australia takes a look back at the latest offerings in PDAs, mobile phones, chips, software and other hardware.
Gadgets, gizmos top techies' holiday lists
No longer content with stockings filled with desk ornaments and golf paraphernalia, this year, technology industry professionals plan to give and receive laptop, desktop and handheld computers as holiday gifts, according to new research.
Send your Australian Christmas greeting
Its coming up to that time of the year when cards and presents are at the top of everyone's shopping lists. ZDNet Developer has put together australian greeting sites to help you send that special greeting to all your loved ones around the world.
Santa is coming - get into the Christmas spirit
With much of the year's business out of the way, the 'silly season' often frees up your time to look at long-term business planning, and, of course, to have some fun. Take a look at these free downloads, brought to you by ZDNet Australia, and get into the festive spirit.
2001 - The year that was in Games
This year was, for the most part, an exciting year for gamers. The PC gaming industry took a hit from the release of several newly-released consoles, and the best appears yet to come.
