Opera
Since Opera 8.5, due to heavy criticism, the free version of Opera isn't adware anymore. Though causing a lot of problems, mainly due to bad coding of sites, Opera is quite secure, on one hand, because it's not a popular browser, so why try taking advantage of an exploit when you can reach millions finding an exploit in Internet Explorer? On the other hand a popup blocker and, sadly, the incompatibility of a lot of sites, make Opera a safe browser.
Since there's not much to configure I'll explain the best settings here:
- Start Opera, make sure only one instance is running
- Goto settings->cookies and check the following:
- Normal cookies: Treat as specified in the server manager
- 3rd party cookies: accept only cookies set to the server itself
- When you experience problems you can lift the restriction on 3rd party cookies a little and change this to 3rd party cookies: Refuse all.
- Choose ->ok and restart the browser
Note: The cookie setting at point 5 will not refuse all cookies, but will only refuse cookies coming from other domains
Pro's
- When an exploit or bug is found, a patch will appear within days
- Fast and highly customizable browser
Con's
- Used adware.....
To surf safe, keep a few basic rules in mind.
Note2: to read a list of found, and patched, security holes go here