Only one percent of Dutch people use Opera as their browser, which is actually a shame, as no other browser offers so much functionality, including a built-in adblocker, free VPN service and WhatsApp integration.
The name Opera does not ring a bell for many computer users. Still, the Norwegian browser has been active for about twenty-five years. During that period the program built up a loyal fan base, but unfortunately the breakthrough among the general public did not materialize. Chrome only came on the market in 2008, but thanks to powerful marketing tools from Google, more than 57 percent of all Dutch people use this browser, according to StatCounter.
Does that make Chrome better than Opera? In any case not in terms of functionality, because the Norwegians crammed all kinds of smart options into their program. You can even run Chrome plugins in Opera with a trick. Make the switch and try this all-rounder without any obligation.
Download and install Opera
Download Opera here and run the installation. The browser opens on its own with an introduction page. Keep in mind that Opera sets itself as the default browser right away. Would you rather not? Then navigate in Windows to Start, Settings, Apps, Default apps and choose under Web browser the desired program.
If you’re switching from another browser, it’s nice that you can take your bookmarks with you. You can easily import them. Click on the red logo at the top left to open the main menu and go to Settings. Then scroll down a bit and click on the part Synchronization on Import bookmarks and settings. You can also import the history, passwords and cookies here.
Working with the speed dial
Every time you open Opera, you automatically end up in the so-called speed dial. This is a homepage that allows you to search directly with Google and access favorite websites. Are you currently on another webpage? Click the four squares at the top of the toolbar to open the speed dial.
At the top left you can see the weather forecast, although the destination is probably not correct. click on Set city and Accept to get your current location. The current weather forecast appears on the screen. Via the option Add a website you type the url of a favorite website. Then confirm with Add to Opera to display the link in the speed dial. By the way, you can drag any web link to the desired position with a pressed mouse button.
Integration with social media
Opera offers direct access to a number of chat services in a sidebar. Handy, because during surfing sessions you answer incoming messages within the same user environment. Don’t see a sidebar on the left? Then click the button at the top right Easy to set up and activate the switch behind Show sidebar.
As a Facebook user, click on the blue-purple Messenger icon. Enter the email address and password of your Facebook account and confirm with Sign in. All open calls are displayed. As soon as you surf to another website, Messenger will disappear into the background. You will receive a notification with an incoming message. Would you rather have this chat client continuously in the picture? Then click at the top right Pin up.
You can also use WhatsApp from the sidebar. To do this, click on the green WhatsApp icon. You need a smartphone for the configuration. On the mobile device, open the popular chat service and go to the settings. Now navigate to WhatsApp Web / Desktop and Scan QR code. After that, point your smartphone camera at the qr code in Opera.
The browser then immediately synchronizes all open conversations with the smartphone. Do you want to receive notifications of incoming messages? Click the option at the top left of the panel Receive notifications of new messages and confirm with Allow.
Configure adblocker
Opera contains a function to ban advertisements and so-called trackers once and for all. Browse to a website with ads and click the icon on the right side of the address bar Privacy protection (shield with cross). Then activate the switches behind Block ads and Block trackers. The shield now turns blue.
However, many websites rely largely on advertising revenue. When everyone blocks ads and tracking cookies en masse, commercial platforms have a hard time. Do you want to support a favorite website by still allowing advertisements or tracking cookies? In that case, set an exception.
Surf to the web address and click on the top right Privacy protection (blue shield with check mark). You can see how many ads and trackers are normally active on the web page. Click twice Turn off for this website to remove the blockages. The website reloads, with advertising showing as usual.
Chrome extensions in Opera
Like Chrome and Firefox, Opera also has a decent library of extensions. This allows you to expand the browser to your own liking with even more functionality. Open the Opera menu in the top left and go to Extensions and Get extensions on.
The catalog with available tools is very extensive. For example, add a translation service (Translator) or download tool (SaveFrom.net helper).
The tool is interesting Install Chrome extensions. As the name suggests, it allows you to install plug-ins from the Chrome Web Store. That gives you a lot more choice. Click on it and confirm at the top right with Add to Opera. Then surf to the Chrome Web Store and find a suitable plugin.
Then click on Add. on Opera, Ok, Install and Yes, install. A cube icon is now visible at the top right of Opera. Click on it to access installed Chrome extensions.
Enable VPN
An important asset of Opera is the integrated VPN service, so we will finally take a look at that. This feature routes all internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel, allowing you to browse the web more anonymously. You camouflage your public IP address.
In the Opera menu, go to Settings and scroll down quite a bit, clicking at the bottom Advanced. Activate at the part Vpn the switch behind Enable VPN. A blue VPN logo is now visible in the address bar. The secure connection is active. Click on it and see under which IP address you are currently surfing.
You can add if desired Virtual location from which part of the world you want to adopt an IP address, namely Europe, Asia or North and South America. This makes this integrated VPN function different from the services of commercial providers. With a well-known service such as ProtonVPN you can specifically indicate from which country you want to take an IP address. This is useful in case you want to bypass region blockages of online video services, for example.
Please note that only Internet traffic within Opera runs via the VPN connection. Commercial VPN providers encrypt all internet traffic to and from your computer.
We have now given you a brief impression of the benefits Opera has to offer. If you like the browser, try the version for smartphones. Opera is also available for Android and iOS.
.