Opera is praised for its speed, especially on dial-up connections, making it a preferred choice for users with limited bandwidth. While Firefox offers extensive customization through extensions, downloading these can be slow on dial-up. Opera adheres closely to HTML standards, which can occasionally lead to compatibility issues with websites designed for Internet Explorer (IE). Users appreciate Opera's fast performance and features like mouse gestures, while acknowledging Firefox's superior customization options. There are rumors about Google potentially acquiring Opera, which could enhance its market share and influence in the browser landscape. Despite some users still relying on IE for specific functionalities, the consensus leans towards using either Opera or Firefox for a better browsing experience.