Let $RG$ denote the group ring of the group $G$ over the ring $R$. Using an isomorphism between $RG$ and a certain ring of $n \times n$ matrices in conjunction with other techniques, the structure of the unit group of the group algebra of the dihedral group of order $8$ over any finite field of chracteristic $2$ is determined in terms of split extensions of cyclic groups.

We introduce roots of indecomposable modules over group algebras of finite groups, and we investigate some of their properties. This allows us to correct an error in Landrock's book which has to do with roots of simple modules.

For each finite group $G$ for which the integral group ring $\mathbb{Z}G$ has only trivial units, we give ring-theoretic conditions for a commutative ring $R$ under which the group ring $RG$ has nontrivial units. Several examples of rings satisfying the conditions and rings not satisfying the conditions are given. In addition, we extend a well-known result for fields by showing that if $R$ is a ring of finite characteristic and $RG$ has only trivial units, then $G$ has order at most 3.