Two Norwegian researchers created a Web browser called Opera a few years ago, and are now shipping a 32-bit version. It doesn't support Java applets, ActiveX controls, and contains basically unusable mail and news programs. It does, however, have a cult following due to its heavy use of single-key keyboard functions, quickness, customizability, and use of Windows's MDI feature to allow multiple-window browsing. So what's the point, you ask? I'm not sure, actually--we certainly don't need another browser, and Opera isn't quite ready for primetime: it crashes a lot and it's feature-set is still lacking a bit. But there's something compelling about this program, and the multi-window features is cool, especially on a big monitor. Each window can have its own home page, for example, and the windows can be arranged in numerous ways. The New York Times calls it the "Porsche of Web navigation in a world of Chevy and Honda browsers." If you have some time to kill and want to try something a little different, then go for it. I found the program to be quirky, probably because it's very different than the typical browser, though very similar to other Windows apps. Opera is available for download in 16- and 32-bit versions. Each download is less than a Megabyte. The full retail product costs only $30
