CNET Editors' review
The premise of Opera has always been the same: Develop the fastest, smallest, and most full-featured browser available. Opera maintains the tradition with its latest version. Offering unprecedented speed and low memory usage, Opera is still embarrassing the big browsers by loading most Web pages in a fraction of the time they use.
In addition to fine-tuning speed and performance, the browser includes support for bidirectional languages such as Arabic and Hebrew, a slide-show feature for Web-based photos, and an option that allows users of the free, ad-sponsored version to receive either text-based ads served by Google or generic graphical ads. Other features sweeten the deal, such as spatial navigation, a built-in e-mail client with spam parameters, and IRC chat support. As always, Opera continues to offer good-quality encryption and other security measures.
Although Opera's default interface wastes space with redundant tools that visually overpower the browser window, it is wholly customizable. Skins let you change the browser's look to suit your preferences. Anyone looking at alternate browsers should definitely check out Opera.
Opera's latest beta is blazing:Publisher's Description
From Opera Software:
Opera is a free Web browser with a pop-up blocker, multiple-window navigation, mouse gestures, keyboard shortcuts, an e-mail client with a spam filter, and integrated search for user security and speed. The cross-platform browser includes IRC-compatible chat, support for RSS newsfeeds, a password manager, and one-click customization and privacy-protection settings. Mouse gestures and keyboard shortcuts allow for accelerated Web navigation while the Fast Forward and Rewind buttons easy browsing. Users can run multiple windows as well as personalize the user interface with one-click skins. The browser also contains special elements for users with disabilities, drag-and-drop support, a notes function, user profiles, and a host of other features. Opera supports the latest in security and provides password and cookie managers.
Version 9 adds BitTorrent support, search-engine customization, thumbnail previews, and widgets.
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Installed
Smart Install - Acquire a lightweight web browser for the quick use.
- Browse the Web with speed and an elegant interface.
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- Hide your IP address and prevent Internet activity tracking.
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All versions:
4.3 starsout of 3,698 votes
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Current version:
4.5 starsout of 51 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"a definite keeper!!!"
Version: Opera 9
Pros
1)quick&easy set-up... 2)easy import of IE&FF-bookmarks... 3)I like the wand & short-cuts... 4)help-pages good for noobs... 5)fast!!!! 6)not a mem-drain....
Cons
1)some pages don't like MY new browser 2)FF(mem-drain) will have to get used to buck-up role 3)IE will have to get used to retirement(tooooooooooo slow)
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"Simply, an alternative for all other browsers"
Version: Opera 9
Pros
Speed, visual space, user-friendliness, simplicity, and other uniuque features are all that beats down other arrogant rivals.
Cons
Still, there is some room for improvement, for example, it needs to enhance support for more web pages.
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"Excellent browser (though I personally prefer FireFox)"
Version: Opera 9
Pros
Tabbed browsing, pop-up blocking, more secure than IE. Once it's set up to your personal preferences, it's an excellent browser.
Cons
Default set-up is UGLY and cumbersome. It'll take a considerable amount of tweaking to get it looking good. The toolbars and tabs take up way too much space. And where was the speed everyone keeps talking about? I don't find it to be any faster than FireFox.
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"fast... so very fast..."
Version: Opera 9
Pros
Opera and Firefox have always been the two big alternatives, with Opera trailing behind because of the need for a paid full version.
Lets just summarize it. Firefox for customization, Opera for speed... Lots of speed. Faster then Firefox, IE or shells like Avant this browser moves, and thats the real selling point.
while the original interface is sorta ugly It was pie to find a new skin that matched perfectly, giving it a good sleek look.
Opera doesn't end there of course, lets not forget tabbed browsing, popupblocker and better security then IE. and packaged with all the features you need and expect.
In Short, if you hate Firefox or are looking for a different broswer then IE and want speed Opera is there to meet all needs. As for me, I think i might have found a place in my heart for this browser.
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"Fast?"
Version: Opera 9
Pros
*cute interface
*it has most of the features built in so u dont have to fuss over add-ons, such as tab-browsing
*stable and secure
Cons
*i have tried all the major browsers,and i think this would come in 2nd to firefox, maybe it's just me, but it's not as fast as firefox...
*again, mediocre speed...
*i'm juz used to customizing my browser with extensions i like, so i kinda will stick to firefox...but try it maybe it works for you...
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"Second Only To FireFox"
Version: Opera 9
Pros
fast and secure.
Cons
slower at downloading images than firefox and isnt customizable plus its less frequently updated than firefox.
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"Download Beta 9, faster"
Version: Opera 9
Pros
~ Great web browser
~ pop-up blocker
~ Highly customizable just like firefox
~ Compatible with both IE, and firefox
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"fast, simple, competitive, has everything Firefox and IE has"
Version: Opera 9
Pros
I use IE, Firefox and OPERA 9 beta
1. Opera striked me with its speed. Firefox is notorious for being memory hog at times. OPERA more efficient
2. new capabilities for adventures users like me: voice, mouse gestures...etc
Mainly Opera's speed wins me over. I still like Firefox. IE is...a dinosaure
Cons
not as many users, so the open source contributions like widgets/extension not many as firefox
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"the best!!"
Version: Opera 9
Pros
realy fast
secure
exelent for downloads
efficient in many aspects
Cons
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"Slowed down my computer..."
Version: Opera 9
Pros
Love the look and the mouse move recognition ability.
Cons
Messed up my IE configurations, and solwed down my computer. Uninstalled it.
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