If you are a veteran computer user like myself and have been using computers since the days of Windows 95 then you have heard of a browser called Opera. Even if you are a 
newbie, a friend might have recommended this browser to you at some point in time. If you have never heard of it, it might be time to explore this fast, classic browser. If you have used Opera in the past, the time has come to get reacquainted.
The Opera browser has quite a history as it dates all the way back to 1994. At that time, Opera was essentially a research project and the program was not available to the public. When Windows 95 was launched, a separate company called Opera Software ASA was born to manage the software. The first version of Opera was released to the public in 1996. When the software was first released, it would only run on native Windows machines. In addition, it was not free software. The company would give you a trial period to try out the browser and after the trial period was over, you had to pay to get the full version.
In the year 2000, Opera expanded and began to roll out versions that would work on multiple operating systems. During the course of 2000, the software also became free for everybody. Like most browsers today, sponsors and ads are what helped to fund the software. In 2006, Opera added Malware protection to its list of features making it a safe alternative to Internet Explorer.
In May of 2013, Opera released a whole new engine that is similar to that used by Google Chrome. This was a complete makeover for the historic browser. Today, Opera features tabbed browsing, fraud protection, a download manager and a built in e-mail client.
In addition, they have now spun off a new mobile version called Opera Max. This version of Opera is rated as the fastest and the most data friendly browser out there. It is an alternative to Internet Explorer, Firefox or Chrome. The browser efficiently uses a patented data-compression system that can actually save you money on data costs! You heard correctly, it could save you money. This is how it works. Opera Max will actually set up a VPN (Virtual Private Network) that will connect between you and the Opera server.
As the data is being transmitted, the information is compressed on the Opera servers before it reaches your phone making the web pages load faster and use less bandwidth. This feature is especially useful when viewing video files while using your cellular data. The program does not compress any secure communications so sites that use https will not be affected by the compression. Facebook and Twitter users will not see the compression benefits on those websites.
Opera adds users at a controlled rate so when you download the app, you will have to wait for an e-mail invitation to get on the network. The app is free but to eliminate the ads, there is also a paid version. If you really enjoy the software, the paid version is well worth the few dollars it will cost.
The new Opera desktop browser uses a similar model to the mobile variety. It also uses compression for a fast browsing experience. Remember, you can have as many browsers on your computer as you desire. They do not interfere with each other and you can have any number of them all running at the same time. Running two browsers side by side is a great way to test features and speed on your computer.
No matter what browser you choose to use on your computer or your phone, safe surfing is still the best way to ensure you do not get infected. Always use an up to date virus scanner and do a quick scan of your system at least once a week. You might want to do a full scan about once every other month or so. If you opt for a full scan, it is best to schedule this when you will not be using the computer for a couple of hours. Full scans can take a long time and are best run overnight.
Article by, Ross Deprey owner of www.ComputerGeeksOnline.net
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