Opera Software last week released version 7.11 of its browser for the open-source Linux operating system. The updated version is faster and has several new features.

Opera said version 7.11 of the browser builds on many of the features in previous Linux versions, but it is now at the same level of development as the company's Windows editions. Among the new capabilities is an integrated email client, including a built-in spam filter and support for POP3, Imap and ESMTP.

The browser's new features include a password manager called the Wand, which offers the ability to save information whenever the user fills in a form, or logs-in with a username and password. Also new is the ability to set up multi-user accounts on the same browser, so various levels of security and use can be assigned to individuals.

Other features include the ability to fast forward and rewind through sites, which the company said were firsts in the world of browsing. Opera added that the browser would try to detect possible "forward" links that could be accessed with a keyboard shortcut. Another new feature is called Notes. This is a small notepad system that can be used to store any information found online, with a view to auto- matically emailing it to colleagues if appropriate. Alternatively, notes can simply be stored for later viewing.

The browser also has many accessibility features. Users with sight impairments can choose between zoom and full-screen modes, can change screen colours, text and button sizes, and disable animations, videos and audio applications.