The best cross-browser solution is
background: #fff;
background: -moz-linear-gradient(#fff, #000);
background: -webkit-linear-gradient(#fff, #000);
background: -o-linear-gradient(#fff, #000);
background: -ms-linear-gradient(#fff, #000);/*For IE10*/
background: linear-gradient(#fff, #000);
filter: progid:DXImageTransform.Microsoft.gradient(GradientType=0,startColorstr="#ffffff", endColorstr="#000000");/*For IE7-8-9*/
height: 1%;/*For IE7*/