Opera 9.52 - Why is it so rubbish?
Monday, 25. August 2008, 03:22:53
In answer to an earlier comment, here's a very quick rundown of the most obvious and annoying bugs. Also below that are my Personal annoyances. I'm not going into long explanations right now. If you're interested, read the forums.
---IMPORTANT ADDENDA:
I feel obligated, despite all you are about to read, to mention 9.52 does fix a number of security issues. Pick your flatform and can read the details here: opera.com/docs/changelogs/. I would hate to think I give off the wrong impression the world to revolves solely around me. And no I'm not using irony. Not today. But I am still switching back and forth between 9.27 & 9.52. I've yet to try 9.60 snapshot---
Bugs (?):
• Highlight text > Right Click > Search >
SOLVED (2008-08-25): http://my.opera.com/Tamil/blog/default-search-engine I don't remember having to make this change on pre 9.5x when updating.
• Save As: File type not constant. Unable to set a default. Wrong type is often saved.
• View cache is empty if 'Empty Cache on Exit' is set
• Speed Dial thumbnails reload each time cache is cleared despite settings to the contrary (do not reload etc)
• ico files stored in images folder despite settings to the contrary (show no icons etc)
Workaround (2008-08-25): http://my.opera.com/garywalsh/blog/2008/08/25/change-read-only-status-folders-in-windows-xp
Personal issues:
Require 'show file extensions' option. Don't talk to me about security. It's web developers and power users who require this. We are not stupid. We know what we are doing. An option is fine. Non-savvy users can still have things the way Opera intend. Don't anyone dare to talk down to me on this issue.
Poor documentation on new, and some old, features. Users left to their own devices on how to use/fix/hack.
In fact the entire Opera Community/Support/Help web sites requires a complete User Focused re-think and re-build. Give the users the resources and they will spread the message and do much of the PR work for you.
My own view is that more time is given over to the business side of things - the user community comes low down on the chain. Either that or there are only a dozen people working at Opera HQ. If I'm wrong on both these points, then why am I left with the impression that nobody cares that much?
Foster a better user community:
Don't leave users in the dark about how to safely up date. Better documentation is required overall. Much is brief and not up to date.
See Mozilla for how and why this should be. Open Source variations excepted of course.
I love the Opera browser, 9.27 that is - don't make me go back to Firefox.
WIDGETIZE
fluzjer # 12. September 2008, 19:59