| Opera 9.5 gets mad at malware |
Jun. 13, 2008
 Opera Software released a security-conscious version of its freely-available web browser that adds protection against malware. Opera 9.5 also adds a faster browser engine, a clean-cut new interface, and synchronization features that keep the browser in line with the Opera Mini mobile browser, the vendor says.
(Click for larger view of Opera 9.5)
UI features in Opera 9.5
(Click to enlarge)
The centerpiece of version 9.5 is a security package based on technology from Haute Secure, Netcraft, and PhishTank, that the Norway-based Opera Software calls "Opera Fraud Protection." The anti-malware feature from Haute Secure automatically blocks offending Web pages to protect against malware and other security threats. The browser queries Opera's servers when a user requests a new webpage and then checks it against the HauteSecure list of blacklisted pages in the same domain. Meanwhile, verson 9.5 continues to update anti-phishing features from PhishTank, which were introduced in Opera 9.1 back in December 2006.
Using Notes in Opera 9.5
(Click to enlarge)
Opera now has a more modern look and feel with a "sharp, new skin with clean lines and clear icons," according to Opera Software. Users can choose from platform-specific skins, and the 'New Tab' button and other elements have been modified. Opera also claims "dramatic speed improvements" that apply to the browser, e-mail client, and RSS feeds. The new version is touted as being twice as fast as Opera 9.2 in rendering JavaScript and HTML, and is said to offer faster start-up and handling of third-party plugins.
 
Opera 9.5's Opera Mail (left) and music download interface (right)
(Click on either to enlarge)
The new synchronization features enables bookmarks, Speed Dial lists, and website notes to follow users to their cellphones running Opera Mini, says the company. The browser also adds a "Quick Find" feature that lets users enter a word in the address bar to find matching text from any page that appears in the visit history. Signature features including Speed Dial, notes, and the ability to save and restore browsing sessions after closing the browser, have been retained in the new version. With its mouse gestures feature, for example, subtle gestures performed while right-clicking the mouse can activate various customizable navigation and keyboard shortcuts.
Stated Jon von Tetzchner, CEO, Opera, "Opera 9.5 represents the culmination of two years spent listening to our community and transforming our browser to add features and capabilities they have requested. Opera 9.5 is faster, lighter and pushes us further out in front of other browsers, by blending the mobile and desktop worlds together."
Available for Linux, Windows, and Mac computers, Opera now accounts for a little over half a percent of the web browsing market, according to a OneStat.com survey published in February. Microsoft's Internet Explorer, meanwhile, has 83.27 percent and Mozilla Firefox has grown to 13.76 percent, with Apple Safari coming in third ahead of Opera at 2.18 percent.
Availability
Opera 9.5 is available now for Linux, Mac, and Windows-based computers, and ships in more than 30 languages, with additional languages available soon, says Opera.
-- Eric Brown
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