Chris Pirillo » opera

Opera 11.10 Beta

Chris Pirillo — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:04:46 +0000

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Catching up with Thomas from Opera during SXSW this past weekend was enlightening in more ways than one. The team attended the conference to show off the new beta for Opera 11.10. There are a lot of enhancements to this iteration of the browser and a few new goodies you should enjoy.

The popular Speed Dial feature has been beefed up quite a lot. All of your favorite pages will now have much clearer previews. Dials can even show live content for websites. There isn’t a limit as to how many dials you can use. It’s so simple to adjust the Speed Dial view to make it fit YOU and your setup. Click the little + sign to add a new website and type the address or just choose from a long list of suggestions.

Edit the name, and you’ve totally owned that dial. Devs can optimize their Speed Dial thumbnails which lets you see what is happening on your favorite sites with one quick glance.

The design has been enhanced significantly. The graphics and UI offer a more sleek and modern look. Features are much easier to find and actually use. This new design is said to have the feel of a “finely tuned browsing machine.”

Version 11.10 supports CSS3 linear gradients and multiple columns. The browser shows webpages using the best standards in all of their relative glory. It’s also now much easier to install your favorite plugins, including ones like Adobe’s Flash Player. They’ll install quickly and automagically.

It’s quite interesting to watch the browser wars these days. With the recent release of Internet Explorer 9 – and tomorrow’s release of FireFox 4 – Opera doesn’t have much choice but to innovate. With all of the new-fangled features in each of these offerings, it leaves me wondering where there is to go next. Will they one day develop a browser that will simply know what we’re thinking and take us there? Could we finally expect a browser that loads pages literally instantly?

Where do you think browsers will be heading in the next few years? What more can we possibly expect to see that isn’t already being done? Most importantly, (for this post, anyways) does Opera have what it takes to maintain a large user base?

Opera 11.10 Beta

How to Convince Someone to Switch Web Browsers

Chris Pirillo — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 15:50:27 +0000

How to Convince Someone to Switch Web Browsers

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Someone in the live chat room recently asked how they can convince a relative to stop using Internet Explorer. The answer is that you really can’t – and you shouldn’t. They use what they use because they like it. It’s a matter of personal preference, folks. How would you like it if someone told you you need to stop using Chrome, Firefox or Safari? You’d not be a very happy camper.

If they aren’t happy and are looking for suggestions, then go ahead and give them your ideas. When you try to convince someone to change – whether it’s Web browsers or even religions – you’re superimposing your experiences onto them. You’re forcing your own opinions and perspectives on someone’s life.

If they’re using IE for all the wrong reasons (such as using a very old version), that’s a bad reason. Explain to them why it may not be safe. It may work well and look good to them, but it isn’t safe. Tell them the dangers, and help them understand why they should upgrade or look at a different browser.

If you are going to insist on trying to get someone to change, don’t simply say something is better or faster. You will never win them over. Point out specific features you feel they would appreciate and need that they cannot get in the browser they are using now. The same can hold true if you are talking about phones, gadgets or computers.

Show them something they will be able to do outside of the limitations of what they have now. Ask them what they want their browser (or anything) to do, then show them what fits best with their needs – even if it is Internet Explorer.

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How to Convince Someone to Switch Web Browsers

How to Remove Internet Explorer 8

Chris Pirillo — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:40:56 +0000

How to Remove Internet Explorer 8

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Marques has been an excellent screencast contributor in the past months, and today’s addition is no exception. Many people prefer to never use Internet Explorer, instead choosing one of the many other browser offerings. Marques is using this screencast to show you how can you remove IE 8 from your computer entirely. Be forewarned, however, that doing so could possibly cause some Windows programs and files to not work properly. Another solution is to simply remove the IE icon from your Start Menu and desktop, and just don’t open it. Also, of course, you may need IE at some point for your Windows Updates (many ppl still use that method to get the updates).

To remove Internet Explorer, you first want to head into your Control Panel. Once there, go into your “Programs” area. Once there, you’ll notice a button near the top (under the heading Programs and Features) that says Turn Windows Features On and Off. Click on that to bring up a window that will help you do just that.

Uncheck the Internet Explorer box, and you’ll have it fully removed. There are also other things in the box that you can safely remove, such as the Tablet features (IF you’re not using a Tablet, of course!). Make sure you thoroughly research all of the things found in the list before you decide what you want to uncheck!

That’s all there is to it. Removing Internet Explorer is fairly quick and easy to do, and may help keep your system running a little faster without some of the previous bloat associated with it.

Thanks, Marques, for another outstanding screencast!

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How to Remove Internet Explorer 8

Can a Tweet Get You Grounded for Life?

Chris Pirillo — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 23:28:15 +0000

Can a Tweet Get You Grounded for Life?

I’ve warned you before that you have to watch what you say online. Even when you crack a joke, you should likely step back and make sure it comes across the way you intended it to, prior to actually hitting that “send” button. In the case of Paul Chambers, it could have saved him a lifetime of hassle. Sadly, he will no longer be flying the friendly skies, thanks to a complaint he made on Twitter.

When a recent flight of his was canceled, he decided to vent his frustration on Twitter with a bit of dark humor, stating: “Robin Hood airport is closed. You’ve got a week and a bit to get your shit together, otherwise I’m blowing the airport sky high!!” . Unfortunately for him, the police don’t find it a bit funny. A week after posting the message on the Twitter, he was arrested under the Terrorism Act. He was then questioned for nearly seven hours by police officers who took his joke as a security threat. He has been suspended for work pending investigation, and been banned from the local airport for life!

This goes to show that once again, we really do need to step back once in awhile prior to speaking. What are your thoughts? Are the police taking this a tad too far, or are they right on the money? What else have you read around the ‘Net today that opened your eyes, or made you stop to think?

Make sure you don’t miss the hottest deals on the latest software… available today in our software center.

Can a Tweet Get You Grounded for Life?

No New Firefox Before the End of the Year

Chris Pirillo — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:19:25 +0000

No New Firefox Before the End of the Year

Mozilla had long been promising version Firefox 3.6 by the end of this year. According to their website, that goal has now been pushed back to early 2010. Also, version 4.0, which promises to be a major update, has been pushed back to late 2010 or early 2011. This is leaving some Mozilla fans with a case of the grumpies. However, they need to remember that all good things are worth waiting for.

Didn’t we learn any lessons from Windows Vista? Didn’t we all witness first-hand what happens when a company rushes a product out the door before it’s truly ready to be on the market? If the folks at Mozilla feel they need more time to deliver a solid product, then I say we give it to them and stop griping about it!

The big new feature in version 3.6 is incorporation of the Personas plug-in that lets people easily customize the browser’s appearance, though behind the scenes there’s also been work to speed up the browser’s launch time, improve security, and make some other changes. There have already been five beta versions released, but we’ve yet to see the release candidate. An RC signals to the masses that a final version is nearly ready.

There is a lot of competition in the browser wars these days, and releasing newer and better versions is always under a time-crunch. However, I repeat again that I’d rather wait a little longer for a high-quality product. I don’t want to see the Firefox team lose credibility by releasing something that won’t go over well.

What browser do you use, and why? What makes it better than others in your mind? If you’re a Firefox fan, are you happy to wait a bit longer for the new versions?

No New Firefox Before the End of the Year

Is Your Head – or Your Computer – in the Cloud?

Chris Pirillo — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:04:43 +0000

Is Your Head – or Your Computer – in the Cloud?

Everywhere you turn, there’s someone talking about Cloud Computing lately. Let’s face it – it’s a hot concept. However, there is a large difference of opinion as to what Cloud Computing even means, much as there is with “Web 2.0″. To some, Cloud Computing is simply another term for virtually anything you do on the Internet. To others, it’s more specifically virtual servers. It gets fuzzy when you try to nail down a full description of what Cloud Computing really is.

To me, Cloud Computing is simply anything I can do online, instead of having to rely on software on my computer. There are full applications available now that cover everything from picture editing to paper writing to handling your taxes… and it’s all done from within your browser. How much easier can it get to simply go to a website and do what you need to do, instead of having to buy and install software, make sure it’s compatible with your system and other software, launch the program every time… you get where I’m going. Cloud Computing, by my definition at least, just makes life so much simpler.

How do you define Cloud Computing, and what are your thoughts on the whole thing?

I keep a fairly close eye on the programs we feature every day on our downloads page. There are some excellent pieces of software there – even a few I found I can no longer live without!

Is Your Head – or Your Computer – in the Cloud?

How Do You Enlarge Web Site Fonts for Printing?

Chris Pirillo — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 23:19:41 +0000

How Do You Enlarge Web Site Fonts for Printing?

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Yes, I’m addicted to fonts. I’ve admitted it for years. I like looking at cool fonts, and enjoy finding new ones. Someone from the PCPitStop community recently asked how he can enlarge fonts on a web page, to make it easier for him to read. You don’t need a new printer, don’t worry! The answer lies within your browser itself!

My recommendation for a browser is Firefox, Safari or even Chrome. No matter what browser you’re using, you should be able to change the font sizes on the page before you read it or even print it. You can check the associated help file in order to learn how to change these settings.

In Firefox, you can change your font sizes by simply holding down your CTRL button, and clicking the + button/sign as many times as needed to increase your font size on the page.
In Internet Explorer, click on View, and then hover your mouse over Text Size. Choose large or larger in order to increase the font to something you can easily read.
If you use Opera, you can click on View and then hover the mouse over Zoom at the bottom of the View menu. From there, you can increase the percentage to make the text manageable for your needs.
With Safari, you will again go to the View menu. Once there, click on “Make Text Larger”, and adjust the percentages accordingly.

Hopefully this answers the question properly. Thankfully, all browsers have ways that you can easily change your settings on everything from font size to the colors that display… in order to maximize the browsing experience for everyone. Don’t let bad eyesight keep you from enjoying everything the web has to offer!

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How Do You Enlarge Web Site Fonts for Printing?

Weather on the Wii

Chris Pirillo — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 07:10:56 +0000

Weather on the Wii

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You know, the Wii is addicting… even without loading up a single game. I have discovered all kinds of cool things you can do. Did you know you can get the local weather… right on the Wii?

The music on the Weather part of the Wii literally makes me want to sleep. It is quite soothing, yes. However… *yawn*. However, if you’re a Weather freak… you’d want to buy a Wii just to have this feature alone. I truly enjoy all Weather things. The Wii Weather is very very cool. It has an excellent interactive capability. I can easily check the UV Index, the current forecast, forecasts from other countries… etc. It’s easy to check weather from other areas. I use the WiiMote to literally “grab” the screen (much like with Google Maps), and drag the map around.

This channel allows you to access local weather forecasts after turning on the Wii console. When connected to the Internet, the Wii automatically updates weather information from your local area and around the world. Use the Wii Remote to spin the globe and view weather reports from across town or across the planet!

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Weather on the Wii

What Browser do you Use?

Chris Pirillo — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 02:30:48 +0000

What Browser do you Use?

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http://live.pirillo.com/ – With the newest version of both Firefox and IE due out soon, what browser are you using… and will you be changing? Are you happy with your browser, or do you feel it’s lacking? I asked a panel of friends for their thoughts on the latest and maybe not always greatest.

Four of my friends joined me for this discussion: Kat, SC_Thor, Wirelesspacket, and last but certainly not least… Datalore.

IE 7 is already being touted by some as the “best” browser ever created. Internet Explorer 7 provides improved navigation through tabbed browsing, web search right from the toolbar, advanced printing, easy discovery, reading and subscription to RSS feeds, and much more. Many say that the features and enhancements far outweigh any security problems that still exist. Research does show that the largest percentage of Internet users DO use IE for all their browsing needs. However, Firefox is catching up.

Firefox is now faster, more secure, and fully customizable to your online life. Firefox is definitely the most customizable browser, with over 1000 features you can easily add on, depending on your needs.

So which browser is right for you? Is it IE or Firefox? Or could it be the new Safari browser from Apple? Let’s also not forget about Opera, which is also gaining popularity quickly.

Each browser will take you around the Internet. Each does basically the same thing. But… each has its own unique style, functionality, and methods of helping you maximize your online time. The best advice we can give you is to try them all. Choose which best fits your needs and style.

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What Browser do you Use?

Firefox vs Internet Explorer vs Opera

Chris Pirillo — Wed, 16 May 2007 23:45:36 +0000

Firefox vs Internet Explorer vs Opera

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http://live.pirillo.com/ – Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Opera — which one does Chris use? None of the above! instead of one of the three major browsers, Chris uses Maxthon, which he finds to be superior, even though it uses Internet Explorer’s rendering engine.

Firefox is the flagship browser of the open source community:

The award-winning Mozilla Firefox Web browser is enjoyed by tens of millions of people worldwide, and has re-ignited innovation and competition on the Web.

Internet Explorer is no slouch:

Internet Explorer 7 provides improved navigation through tabbed browsing, web search right from the toolbar, advanced printing, easy discovery, reading and subscription to RSS feeds, and much more.

Opera may not have market share, but it provides strong competition:

Opera gives you the tools to experience the web your way. From fraud protection and tight security to quick website access and numerous customizations, Opera provides you with the Web the way it was meant to be viewed.

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Firefox vs Internet Explorer vs Opera

Safari on Windows

Chris Pirillo — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 03:24:03 +0000

Safari on Windows

It’ll crash if you look at it wrong, but at least we’ll soon have Safari on Windows (no thanks to Apple). Get Swift if you’d like to take a look, but don’t hold your breath for an amazing experience. It’s going to take a year or so before Swift gets stable enough to use as an alternative to your already-alternative browser. Why we still have to deal with Safari at this point is beyond me. It’s tough enough dealing with the inconsistences between Opera, IE7, and FireFox! I only know three people who use Safari in OS X by default, and they live in a mental institution. If you use Safari, too – please tell your sanitarium buddies I said “Hello.”

Safari on Windows

Opera CEO Jon von Tetzchner

Chris Pirillo — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 01:04:28 +0000

Opera CEO Jon von Tetzchner

Opera is one of those Web browsers that you’ve just gotta try for yourself. For the longest while, it was relegated to the bottom of the pile for most desktop software fanatics – with ample Web browsing alternatives to be found in either Mozilla or plain ol’ Internet Explorer. Then Firefox took the world by storm, Maxthon matured, and Opera decided to change its business model (giving away its desktop browser without advertisements built-in). Today, Opera announced and released v9.0 of their desktop client – and they decided to do it in Microsoft’s own backyard. Seattle was awfully convenient for me, too! I arrived just in time to see Opera’s CEO Jon von Tetzchner arrive by boat. Must’ve taken him months to get here in that thing. If you’re looking for a Web standards-compliant browser that ships with everything (including a BitTorrent utility and the kitchen sink), give the completely free Opera a swing. Listen to Jon’s own words:

Opera CEO Jon von Tetzchner