Opera (web browser)

Opera (web browser)
Opera · Public domain · source
Name	Opera
Developer	Opera Software
Engine	Blink
Operating system	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS

Opera (web browser) is a popular web browser developed by Opera Software, a company founded by Jon Stephenson von Tetzchner and Geir Ivarsøy. It is known for its speed, security, and innovative features, such as tabbed browsing, pop-up blocking, and built-in search engine. Opera (web browser) is available for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, and is used by millions of users worldwide, including those at Google, Microsoft, and Apple. The browser has undergone significant changes over the years, with contributions from W3C, Mozilla Foundation, and Google Chrome teams.

Introduction

The introduction of Opera (web browser) in 1996 marked a significant milestone in the development of web browsers, with its first version, Opera 2.0, released in 1997. The browser was initially developed for Windows and later expanded to support other platforms, including macOS and Linux. Opera Software has collaborated with various companies, such as Adobe Systems, Sun Microsystems, and IBM, to improve the browser's functionality and performance. The browser's user interface has been influenced by Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, and KDE desktop environments. Additionally, Opera (web browser) has been used by organizations such as NASA, European Space Agency, and CERN.

History

The history of Opera (web browser) dates back to 1994, when Jon Stephenson von Tetzchner and Geir Ivarsøy founded Opera Software in Oslo, Norway. The company's early versions of the browser were released in 1996, with Opera 2.0 being the first public version. Over the years, Opera Software has released numerous versions of the browser, including Opera 3.0, Opera 4.0, and Opera 5.0, each with significant improvements and new features, such as JavaScript support, CSS styling, and XML parsing, developed in collaboration with W3C, ECMA International, and IETF. The browser has also been influenced by other web browsers, such as Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer, and Safari (web browser). Furthermore, Opera Software has partnered with companies like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to integrate their services into the browser.

Features

Opera (web browser) offers a wide range of features, including tabbed browsing, pop-up blocking, and built-in search engine, which have been developed in collaboration with Google, Bing, and Yahoo!. The browser also includes features such as private browsing, password management, and bookmark synchronization, similar to those found in Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari (web browser). Additionally, Opera (web browser) has a built-in torrent client, BitTorrent, and supports WebRTC, HTML5, and CSS3, developed in collaboration with W3C, IETF, and Khronos Group. The browser's user interface is customizable, with support for themes, extensions, and user scripts, similar to those found in Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge.

Security

The security of Opera (web browser) is a top priority, with features such as sandboxing, address space layout randomization, and secure socket layer (SSL) encryption, developed in collaboration with VeriSign, GlobalSign, and Let's Encrypt. The browser also includes a built-in phishing filter, malware protection, and virus scanning, similar to those found in Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. Furthermore, Opera Software has partnered with companies like Symantec, McAfee, and Kaspersky Lab to provide additional security features and protection. The browser's security has been recognized by organizations such as NSS Labs, AV-Test, and AV-Comparatives.

Reception

The reception of Opera (web browser) has been generally positive, with praise for its speed, security, and innovative features, such as tabbed browsing and pop-up blocking. The browser has been reviewed by various technology websites, including CNET, PC Magazine, and Ars Technica, and has been compared to other web browsers, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari (web browser). Additionally, Opera Software has received awards and recognition from organizations such as Webby Awards, SXSW, and CES, for its contributions to the development of web browsers and the internet, alongside companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon.

Versions

There have been numerous versions of Opera (web browser) released over the years, each with significant improvements and new features. Some notable versions include Opera 10.0, Opera 11.0, and Opera 12.0, which introduced features such as extensions, user scripts, and hardware acceleration, developed in collaboration with NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel. The latest version of the browser, Opera 75.0, includes features such as improved performance, enhanced security, and new user interface, similar to those found in Google Chrome 90.0, Mozilla Firefox 88.0, and Safari 14.1. The browser is available for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, and is used by millions of users worldwide, including those at Microsoft, Apple, and Google.