The Top 100 Classic Web Sites

PC Magazine's definitive list of the best and most trustworthy Web sites of 2008.

by Kyle Monson

		SLIDESHOW (100)
		Slideshow | All Shots

All Web sites, whether classic or not, tend to follow the same evolutionary path: A site is conceived in the mind of an unusually intelligent person; starts off as a buggy alpha project; evolves into a less-buggy beta project; develops into a full-blown meme usually sometime around launch (Google betas excepted); and swirls around the Internet for a while. That's where the path diverges: the site can fade away into uncoolness and disuse, cater to a niche of hard-core users, or mature into a classic Web site that is used and loved by millions.

Buzz up!on Yahoo!

This list of 100 Classic Web Sites is for the last group, the sites that have transcended "going viral"; the sites that you, your parents, and your kids are familiar with, and that their kids may someday be familiar with. These 100 sites change the way we use the Web, pioneer new technologies and ideas, and inspire tons and tons of mimicry.

Unlike our list of Top 100 Undiscovered Web Sites, you've probably heard of most of these sites, but we hope there are some new finds and old friends here for you to enjoy. —next: How We Selected the Top 100 Classic Web Sites >

Original here