Opera Sings a Macintosh Tune

Macintosh users now have another option when it comes to browsing the Web. Opera Software this week announced availability of the first version of its Internet browser for Apple Computer's Macintosh operating system.

A technology preview, or alpha version, of the software is available for download from the company's Web site, Communications Manager Pal Hvistendahl says.

Opera 5.0 for Macintosh will work on Macintosh Power PC machines running the operating system MacOS 7.5 or later, the company says. Versions for 68K processors and the OS X operating system are planned for the future.

The alpha version, while it is expected to contain bugs and cause frequent crashes, "will probably not harm a user's computer," the company says, adding that it relies on feedback from users as part of the development process.

The privately-held Norwegian software maker has drawn a small but loyal following for its Windows browser, which it says is faster and takes up less memory than those offered by market leaders Microsoft and America Online, with its subsidiary Netscape Communications.

In December, Opera began offering Opera 5.0 for Windows for free download to users, supported by banner advertising revenue. Users who wish to avoid the advertising--built into the browser program--can pay a registration fee of $39.

Paid registrations are still at the same level as before the free download was offered, says Per Christian Goller, the company's business development manager, though he could not immediately offer a number.

"One guy came and asked us how he could pay and [still] see the advertising, because he wanted to help us," he says. "We have the nicest users."