In a world filled with computers that are defaulted with Internet Explorer browser, many people think that there is no need to switch to other web browsers like Opera. They think that all web browsers are the same in function, without realizing that there are actually a lot of differences-specifically between Opera and Internet Explorer. Opera is considered by many tech writers as one of the fastest and user-friendly web browsers available, despite several issues in compatibility with websites in its previous versions. If you are using Opera for the first time, here are some basics to get you learn the ropes but remember that it works just like any other browser, only a little different.

Opera keeps you up-to-date - Unlike other browsers that remembers what sites you go to, Opera goes a little further by remembering the content of each page you have included in your "bookmarks" (what IE refers to as "favorites") and would even remind you if these pages are updated.

You can browse just by moving the mouse - At Opera, you can use your mouse not just by clicking it or using the scroll button, but by simply doing some simple "gestures" to perform many operations such as browsing through pages, maximizing or minimizing windows, as well as opening links. What you do is to hold the right mouse button and move the cursor to the left, to the right, or like the letters L and U depending on how you want it. Learn more about the mouse gestures here.

Fast searches - If you have a habit of using multiple search engines, Opera makes it easier for you. Just type the words you want to search for at the search field next to the address bar and press "Enter." The search results for, let's say, Google will be displayed, then if you want to switch to Yahoo! simply click the dropdown menu to change search engines and immediately get results.

Undoes closed pages - It usually happens that we close a window by accident and then we smack our foreheads because you would have to go through the arduous process of opening the window again and opening new tabs then retyping each address that were closed by mistake. In Opera, you can use the usual "undo" keyboard shortcut, by pressing Ctrl+z, to get the page back. You can also reopen closed pages using the trash icon on the tab toolbar.

Content blocking - There are some sites that may contain select pages that you may think could be unsafe for work or your children. Wikipedia, for instance, is a good reference site but it also contains articles about sexual organs and pornography. You can block those specific content without sacrificing the whole site with Opera's content blocking feature. This also allows to selectively block undesirable images or plug-in content on Web pages. All you do is to right-click on the page and select "Block content."

Voice supported - Opera versions for Windows 2000 and XP are able to read contents of pages, obey spoken commands, and even interact with voice-enabled pages.

Hotclick feature - The Hotclick menu appears when you double-click a word on a Web page, or by selecting a text and right-clicking on it. This menu provides you with options on what to do with the text, whether search the Web, translate it to a different language, or look it up in a dictionary or encyclopedia.