Opera Browser Updated

Opera Software has upgraded versions of its browser for use with Linux running on Intel systems, and also for PowerPC users, while simultaneously adding a new port to the Unix variance FreeBSD operating system.

Opera is distributed free of charge and available by download directly from Opera.com. Versions of the browsers that are free of banner advertising are also available from Opera for $39 each, the company said.

Linux users in particular have embraced the alternative browser, say Opera representatives. The Norwegian developer says it has received more than 1.5 million downloads from Linux users since February of 2001 and the new offering is expected to prompt a quick uptake in those hits.

The release of Opera 6.1 will offer improved font support, Java support without using a plug-in, and better bookmark handling, according to the developers.

OS Count: Eight

The addition of the FreeBSD port makes Opera available on eight different operating systems, the company said. FreeBSD is a Berkeley Software Distribution operating system popular with high-end users like systems administrators, Opera said.

The pairing of Opera with FreeBSD is expected to entice corporate users with an emphasis on stability.

Opera is now available on Windows, Linux, Mac, Solaris, FreeBSD, OS/2, Symbian OS and QNX.

Pushing Options

Opera last updated the browser in July, when developers released revamped versions of the browser for use with Windows and Linux. The most current version of Opera is version 6.04.

The company also is pursuing new distribution options, primarily bundling deals for the Linux versions of the browser. Opera recently cut a deal with Germany's SuSE Linux AG to distribute Opera's Linux Web browser with its SuSE Linux 8.0 desktop software.

Similar deals with developers of other Linux distributions are in the works, the company has said. The company is particularly pursuing the Asian market.

Opera also recently launched a volume purchase program for universities and colleges, which can license the browser in bulk for as little as $1 per copy.

Opera offers its browser in versions for the Linux, Solaris, Windows and Macintosh desktop operating systems, as well as for the Symbian OS and QNX embedded operating systems for handhelds and other devices. The company says the Opera browser for Windows is the company's most popular software distribution, totaling some 12 million downloads and installations.