What is Opera?

Like Firefox, Opera is a web browser that you can use as an alternative to Microsoft Internet Explorer. It contains some useful security features and it is popular with its users for its speed and elegance.

Get Opera

Download Opera from www.opera.com.

Keep Opera up to date

You can check if there is a newer version of Opera by going to the Help menu and selecting Check for new release. Do this regularly to ensure you are running the latest version.

Use Opera’s security features

• When you visit a site that is protected by an SSL certificate (see Avoid fake websites), Opera displays information about the certificate in a yellow box next to the address bar so you can check that the site is valid. It also displays the security padlock there so that it is prominent.
• You can delete private data easily from the Tools menu by selecting Delete private data…. This erases your browsing history and any cached files.
• Opera gives you a high level of control over cookies. Select Preferences on the Tools menu, then the Advanced tab and, finally, Cookies. You can then select to refuse all cookies or decide on a case-by-case basis.
• You can temporarily or permanently disable JavaScript and plug-ins (programs that are mostly harmless but which can, on some malicious websites, be used to infiltrate your computer) using the Quick Preferences item on the Tools menu or by pressing F12.

More information

• There is a more detailed guide to Opera security on the Opera website.