UPDATE: starting from the Opera 15 version, the browser has been redesigned from scratch by adopting the webkit rendering engine which is that of Google Chrome.If you want, you can still download the old version Opera 12.16 with all its functions, except Opera Unite which was instead usable only with Opera 11.
Much better, instead, to download the browser Otter, That is based on Opera 12 and it is practically the continuation of the Opera project before it became, starting from version 13, based on Chrome. Otter Browser is continuously updated for compatibility with the latest web standards and security fixes and is a solid browser, ideal for old Opera nostalgics.
Anche se non è tra i browser più usati in el paese, Opera rimane comunque tra i più innovativi programmi per navigare su internet e, proprio oggi, la Società norvegese Opera Software ha rilasciato la new version Opera 12.
Those who already use Opera should see the update notification or they can install the new version by pressing the Opera button at the top left, move the mouse to Help and click Check for updates.
For those who have never used this browser, on the other hand, I can only advise you to give it a try and find out how the way of surfing the internet with Opera changes.
The final version of Opera 12 it comes with numerous improvements, especially regarding performance, stability and faster browsing.
If the results of the update are positive or negative, regular users will say it, especially considering that Opera 11 was already very fast and very stable.
The main improvements of Opera 12 are, in a nutshell:
- Faster startup with many open tabs.
- Separate processes for each plugin; this means that if, for example, Flash crashes, Opera will not crash (as happens in Chrome).
- Improved performance for secure connections.
- Improved support for HTML5 sites.
- Better support for Extensions.
- special versions for Windows and Mac 64-bit (Note that Chrome and Firefox don't have 64-bit versions).
- New themes to customize the graphical appearance of the interface.
- Webcam support: Opera 12 now supports capturing photos from webcams, on web applications that use HTML5.
Some other new features need to be activated manually.
Among these the most important is "Don't Track" to prevent websites from tracking visits.
By clicking on Opera> Settings> Preferences> Advanced> Security you can put the cross on the option for ask sites to disable tracking (some sites, however, will refuse this request).
In Opera 12 there is also the possibility of activating, on an experimental basis, thehardware acceleration.
It then becomes possible to use the computer's graphics processor to view web pages, animations and even the faster and smoother browser interface.
To activate this function, you must write the command in the browser address bar: opera: config # UserPrefs | EnableHardwareAcceleration and enter 1 instead of 0 in the highlighted box.
It is also possible to activate the WebGL rendering engine (the one used by Chrome) by writing the command opera: config # UserPrefs | EnableWebGL and give the value 1.
After making these changes, verify the use of hardware acceleration by writing the command opera: gpu in the address bar.
What amazes about Opera is its wealth of features, all integrated into the web browser, without the need for extensions.
For this reason Opera remains lightweight and is not burdened by add-ons that are installed numerous by those who use Firefox and Chrome.
The first reason to use Opera therefore is its real speed, not to be confused with the absolute speed that is calculated with the browser comparison programs and which in any case is of little significance (what does it matter if Chrome is faster than a millisecond?).
Chrome perhaps remains the fastest, but only on condition that it remains without heavy extensions, disabling some functions such as notification ones.
Opera is the most modern browser if you look at the home tab, the one that appears when you open a new blank tab.
Quick access to Opera it was copied from Chrome in which, however, you cannot choose the sites to view while on Firefox it is still absent.
You can add 9 favorite sites to click quickly to open them when you need them and if you want, you can add more, with the thumbnails shrinking to make room for new entrants.
The previews of the sites set in the quick access tab can also be automatically updated every hour or every day so as to immediately see any changes and news on information sites or blogs from the thumbnail.
Opera was and is becoming more and more a great browser, especially in terms of speed and functions.
Probably better than Firefox, certainly better than Internet Explorer, it is, in my opinion on par with Chrome and Maxthon.
