... I'm looking for a relatively safe browser for win 2000. ...

Just as an added suggestion on older Opera browsers, you might consider turning the browser's JavaScript capability off to reduce the attack surface significantly. (Shift+F12 > Advanced > Content > UNcheck the "Enable JavaScript" box > OK). While this will tend to 'break' or interfere with some sites, you can always reverse that setting either by simply re-checking the box, or (safer) only enable it for known sites you trust (via going to the site > right click on a blank part of the page > Edit site preferences > Scripting > Enable Java Script > OK).