Some thoughts on browser speed

September 7, 2007 · by Lawrence Eng

Being fast isn't everything, but it's definetly important.

Here is something I just posted to my personal blog:

being fast isn't everything, but it's definitely important. You already know that Opera's goal is to bring the Internet to all kinds of devices, which means that we have to work on technology that generally has less processor power than the most advanced desktop PCs. Another advantage of Opera, however, is that we work very well on older computers, providing a secure, fast, and modern browser to millions of people who don't have the luxury of buying a new computer every couple of years (or even more frequently than that).

Read the complete post here:

A few thoughts on the speed of Kestrel (Opera 9.5)

Readers' comments 4

Left under the original article, as archived.

Andrew NguyenFriday, September 7, 2007 10:00:10 PM
I like how Opera will work on old computers.

The computers at my school are old and still running Win95se, Win2000, and some WinXP. The teachers there all use Firefox... I've used an Opera wallpaper on my computer account. I'm also planning to tell the computer teacher to install Opera in all of the computers.
Lawrence EngFriday, September 7, 2007 10:15:03 PM
Sounds great! Let us know how it goes and if you need any help convincing your teachers.
Owen MarrowMonday, September 10, 2007 9:48:15 PM
While I stopped teaching as of this year, for the past 3 years I was teaching at a pretty rural school where the computers in each classroom were a new thing before the end of my career there. (seriously, I found, obtained and installed the gradekeeper system for the entire k-12 school) I immediately turned off all options to use IE on my classroom's comp, as well as outlook, and replaced them both with Opera. As far as I know, there are still a handful of teachers out there now who are still using Opera; they liked it that much. If Opera on the educational computers is of interest to anyone, the key selling points are:
1- simplicity. Older teachers don't want to learn 50 programs... they're afraid of the entire computer to begin with. Opera gives browsing, email, and chatting all in 1 easy to use bundle.
2- Easy searching. What do you think is done on classroom computers the most? (and the speed dial was the new thing right as I left, but it fits nicely in a classroom where a variety of interests are needed)
3- Security. The password protection is an essential component... can't have a student on my computer alone without it, lest my emails with parents and staff be what attracts attention.
4- Full Screen mode. If the school has any projectors around, then more than likely the teachers are being pressed to include a technology-based lesson-plan that utilizes it (part of the administrative aspects of a school system...). I found one of the simplest ways to do this was to navigate a specific website with my class, simply projecting the screen. (didn't always make full use of the smart-board...) If they wish to do this, the full-screen mode masks the simplicity of the lesson and makes it look nice & professional.

I know this wasn't what was originally being talked about, but I figured the info wouldn't kill anybody.
Lawrence EngMonday, September 10, 2007 11:24:19 PM
That's great info, thanks! Given that schools often have to use older hardware, it makes total sense for us to tell more teachers about Opera.