I just finished reading a rather extensive interview with Jon von Tetzchner, the co-founder and CEO of Opera. In the interview he discusses many things, including: Opera going Open Source, Opera on Linux, extensions in Opera, features, UI, and a lot more.
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Q: What is Opera?
A: Opera is one of the most powerful Web browsers around. A Web browser is the program that allows you to view Web pages. Opera is well known for innovation for PC browsers and bringing the full web to mobile phones and devices.
Q: Is Opera free?
A: Absolutely free.
Q: Why should I download a browser? Doesn't my computer already come with one for free?
A: It's about getting more out of the time you spend on the internet. Opera is designed to be much faster than these browsers and gives you powerful features that the default browser lacks. Default browsers like Internet Explorer are also more likely to be subjected to dangerous software such as viruses and spyware.
Q: Will Opera keep me safe from fraudulent websites and malicious hackers?
A: According to Secunia, a respected firm that tracks security in browsers, Opera has the best reputation and track record when it comes to browser security. Keeping our users safe from security vulnerabilities, fraudulent websites, and malicious hackers is a top priority for Opera. Opera is maintained by hundreds of engineers, developers and security experts who are constantly looking to make the browser even safer.
Q: Doesn't Opera copy all of their features from other browsers?
A: Absolutely not. In fact, many of the features that are popular in other browsers today were invented and pioneered by Opera a long time ago. Opera invented the precursor to tabs (in 1994), Page Zoom (1994), was the first browser to block pop-up ads (2000), first to add a Search field in the browser toolbar (2000), Sessions (1996), deleting private data (2000), Mouse Gestures (2000), User JavaScript (2005), BitTorrent support (2005), Widgets (2006), Speed Dial (2007), and much more.
Q: Does Opera support extensions, such as those found in Firefox?
A: Much of the functionality provided through Firefox extensions is already built directly into Opera, so you don't have to download additional extensions in Opera. In addition, Opera is highly customizable and supports all standard plug-ins.
Q: Can I also use Opera on my mobile phone?
A: Yes. And your Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS or almost any connected device and mobile phones. Opera Mobile oftens comes preinstalled from the manufacturers, but if it doesn't you can install Opera Mini which runs on nearly all phones.
Q: This all sounds great, so how do I download Opera?
A: -- Opera on your computer
-- Opera Mini on your phone
-- Opera Mobile on your phone
-- or learn more about Opera at www.opera.com
using
When I saw the hint about open source, my heart skipped a beat. But I was disappointed. You can still control Opera if you go open source. Look at Mozilla. You can still reject contributions if you want to.
using
A great interview about Opera’s strategy from my point of view. And I actually understand Opera and JvT better now, in not going open source with Opera. I will show this article to a few colleagues of mine who often argue that Opera isnt OpenSource, I’m curious what they say afterwards.
Maybe you guys can post this interview somewhere closer to the OpenSource community to make them read it and read their arguments in return. Could be interesting
Rockon Opera!
btw: Awesome Mini-session in Barcelona
using
Great interview, Daniel; thx for the heads-up.
I think the tech press is underplaying Opera’s valiant stand on open standards and how that’s beneficial for users.
using
Odd, the server’s down. I guess I’ll read it later. I didn’t actually have time right now anyway.
using
Extensions in Opera : Yes Please.
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yey, more enhancement for our favorite browser!
using
Very interesting interview, especially about open-sorcing the browser.
IMHO, even though I’m an advocate of open source software, I doubt that opening the Opera code would do the browser any good. Lots of work would be lost because of forking and project coordination, plus as long as Opera has the manpower, there’s no need in doing it. Although many peope don’t liek to admit it, manpower is ne of the main reasons software goes open source.
using
I’,m really looking forward for Opera release that runs Theora+Vorbis video directly in browser using HTML5 video-element. Currently only a couple of months old test build is available.