Opera Browser Now Free Free Version is Ad-Supported Byron Alley
For years now, Opera has been the black sheep of browsers. With Netscape and Microsoft engaging in feature wars and giving their browsers away for free, Opera was quite a different animal. Built around a philosophy dedicated to speed, usability, support for web standards, and small footprint, Opera attracted users from a small cadre of tech-savvy web surfers that were willing to pay for a better web experience. The message from the company was clear, too: it's a good product, and we're not giving it away.
Things change. Opera Software has released a free version of its browser. However, there's a catch. The new free version of the browser pays for itself by displaying ads. If you want the ad-free version, you'll still have to pay for it.
The latest version of Opera has a lot of new features.
Initially designed especially for developers and the user who prefers total control over their browsing environment, Opera can be customized to meet each individual's taste. JavaScript, graphics, multimedia, and frames can all be toggled on and off; and such visual elements as links, headers and font specifications can be customized to the user's whim.
With 128 bit encryption, support for plugins, and advanced customizability--such as cookie filtering--this browser is worth looking at.
