Reply To: How was Daf Yomi studied originally?

I mostly use Rabbi Steinsaltz. In addition to elucidating the Rashi, he often cites Rambam and the Shulchan Aruch for the actual halachah, and brings down interesting historical and scientific information, including drawings (Hebrew translation) or photographs (English translation) that help to place the text in context. Rabbi Steinsaltz also un-censors the censored text based on the old manuscripts so we get what Chazal actually said rather than what ended up in the censored Vilna text; sometimes the differences are important. Artscroll has more references, though, for anyone wanting to do more in-depth research on a single topic. And I think that the form of its elucidation is easier for beginners.