I hate Microsoft and wanted to switch from Internet Explorer. Every time I try Opera though it seems they are deliberately trying to stymie me with their creepy 'forcing you to do what we want' method of pleasing its customers. Tried again today. First, as with the last time I tried, I typed in what I thought was a standard question into their help search, namely, 'How do I get a home page icon'. No answers found. Same with just 'home page' and 'home page icon'. I guess no one has come to Opera wondering where the home page icon is. A suggestion to me would be 'Opera doesn't use a home page icon- here's how we do it...' or, 'Here's how to easily install a home page icon on Opera's screen'.
I went searching on Yahoo to find some answers. Tried the 'speed dial'. I liked it- I think it's better than the 'favorites' in Internet Explorer. I spent the next HOUR trying to find out why- right in the top middle section of precious screen space, was there a huge Google search 'bar' (WAY too big to be called a bar). Rather than putting a faded 'x' next to the google search PLACARD- or an easily identifiable 'remove google search billboard on speed dial' in settings, I eventually discovered a ridiculous 'insiders only' easter egg of hitting the up and down arrow keys on my computer.
In my many searches to find out how Opera works and how to set it up I found MANY complaints like mine asking why a company that wants me to switch to Opera would force me to make Google part of my life, as trying to stop Google from knowing everything about me is becoming a full time job. The frustration factor is off the charts. I decided to give Opera the benefit of the doubt, as maybe they need money from Google to survive or something. So, I went to speed dial and started to set up my passwords on all the speed dial boxes with my favorite sites. I went first to check and see that under settings the 'remember passwords' buttons were all checked. Went to my first site and typed in my name and password, waiting for 'Remember this password?' or something similar to appear. Nothing. maybe it does it automatically I thought. I closed the browser and tried my site again. Nothing. I went to search and typed in 'remember passwords'. No results found. I typed in a simple 'passwords'. Nothing.
I will see Opera again in another couple of years. Maybe then someone in charge will say, "Hey, let's not try to force stuff down our customers throats; let's just make it so irresistible everyone will flock to Opera." This is like my fifth try with Opera. I'll see you again in a couple of years. Anyone wanting to tell me I'm a 'griper' or 'Go back to Microsoft!', please try to remember that I won't be seeing your response until 2016. See you in two years Opera.