My Opera Interviews

We've had a chat with the creator of the popular Opera for USB, Markus Obermair.

This is a thank you for all the hard work he has done for Opera.

We're so fortunate to bring you an exclusive interview with My Opera Member Markus Obermair. The man who builds, hosts and provides support for Opera@USB (and now U3) voluntarily. If you want all the great feature of Opera mobile, then look no further. Head over to Opera USB right after you've read this interview. Enjoy

Markus, how how did you become an Opera fan?

I became an Opera fan in 2003. My browser experience started with Netscape 4.3, then IE () But after a virus / worm I got really upset, and searched for an optional mailclient. I bumped into Opera 7 with its integrated Browser . I liked Opera (and its features) from the first click!

What led you to port Opera on USB?

I wanted to use Opera at work, but my IT department didn't allow an installation of it. That was when I searched for a new way to use it. I came over a complicated method, and thought to myself: "There has to be an easier way to get it installed!". I started working on my current project, and I soon discovered that other people was interested in getting a copy of Opera on their flash drives.

In 2005 I offered packages of some changed files with instructions on how to obtain a mobile version of Opera based on the Desktop version. However, many people still craved why I didn't offer the complete mobile version of Opera. In autumn 2005 I created opera-usb.com, with a complete mobile Opera@USB 8.5 version ready for download. I got new visitors per day, and thousands of people started using it.

That's great! But how is USB different from U3?

Opera@U3 and Opera@USB have equal functionalities - The only difference is that Opera@U3 only includes U3 specific data.

What did you do to optimise Opera for U3?

It was quite easy. To get Opera for U3 valid I had to tweak it a bit. A couple of weeks ago I received an email that U3 had tested my version, and had approved it

Are you an active member on My Opera?

Yes! I use the forums, and try to help out other Opera users on a daily basis. In addition I exchange experiences and my expertise regarding using Opera.

What do you think of the new My Opera site?

The Opera Community is really great, and the new My Opera site is brilliant!

Are you working on anything new these days?

Yes. But it's spring, and there should also be a life without computers and Opera

Do you have any last words for the community, and its members?

I want to say thank you to all Opera@USB users! Your support means a lot to me. It helps Opera be the leading product solution for flash drives! Keep it up .

I also want to say thank you to a very special person: My father. He died 1 month ago. He was the person who introduced me to the fantastic world of IT when i was young, and I owe him so much for it.

Our condolences go out to Markus, who recently lost his father.