Opera Sets Sights on Netscape, Linux

Taking aim at Netscape's grasp of the Linux market, Opera Software has released an alpha of their Opera 5.05 browser with an important feature -- support for Netscape plug-ins including Java. The Linux Technology Preview serves as an update to Opera 5.0, adding the ability to run plug-ins designed for Netscape, such as Flash, Acrobat Reader and perhaps most importantly, Sun Java 2 Runtime Environment.

Not shy about the announcement, Opera touts a "faster, better and less bloated Internet experience [for users] while enjoying their favorite plug-ins for video, audio, document viewing, animation and much more"

According to Monday's press release, "Opera's release of technology previews follows in the company's tradition of openness towards the Internet community, inviting them to provide feedback to Opera's developers, while watching the browser's development unfold."

Following Opera's commitment to standards, the company boasts support for most W3C specifications, including partial DOM and WAP/WML, in the 5.05 Technology Preview.

Opera warns the browser will contain bugs and "crashes are to be expected when running plug-ins." Opera 5.05 for Linux Technology Preview 1 is available for download via FileForum.