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Opera Screams

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Olsen Ziegler Realty

No, not Pavarotti, but the browser named Opera produced by Opera Software.

After Internet Explorer (IE) recently stopped working my laptop (it wouldn't not display any page), and after extensive analysis and potential fixes to no avail, I decided to trash IE once and for all (except for applications that won't run on any other browser, like our MLS system).  While I have been using Firefox half the time anyway, I decided to give Opera a look after reading reviews, comparing various attributes of it compared to other browsers for things such as security, speed, usability and the like.

After a simple download and install, I decided to give it a whirl for commenting on ActiveRain blog posts for a day, and what I found was that Opera was absolutely screaming in speed compared to IE, and was even noticeably faster than Firefox as well.  This seems to correlate well to the industry benchmarks.

It literally was like getting a new computer, the difference in speed between Opera and IE was that noticeable. 

I then downloaded Opera to my main computer (an older PC) and started using it these past few days and my browsing experience has been noticeably faster as well.

The only downside is not all browser applications will work with all browsers, and Opera seems to have issues with some applications and websites I use on the Internet, so I will still use Firefox or even IE if necessary.

Cross-browser compatibility is a huge pain, but given the constraints, it's nice to drive a Ferrari for some activities.

Comments (4)

Bob & Carolin Benjamin
Benjamin Realty LLC - Gold Canyon, AZ
East Phoenix Arizona Homes

Had heard that this was a very good tool-- have not yet tried it ourselves.

Apr 19, 2009 09:58 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Chris, I had not heard of Opera before this.  I use FirFox and have been happy with it, but I am always interested in anything that might work better.

Apr 19, 2009 10:23 AM
Chris Olsen
Olsen Ziegler Realty - Cleveland, OH
Broker Owner Cleveland Ohio Real Estate

Hi Bob and Carolin -- Hope you do and it works for you like it does for me.

Hi George -- Give it a whirl, you never know.  The download/install is a breeze and very quick.

Apr 20, 2009 03:34 PM
Doris Barber
Doris Barber - Business Support Specialist - Gaithersburg, MD
Business Support Specialist

I have Opera on my Archos player, but have never intstalled in on my PC.  I use Firefox and Chrome.  Only use Internet Explorer for those companies (BPO's) who refuse to use any other platform.

Apr 27, 2009 05:45 PM