As with other web browsers, it is important to keep Opera up-to-date. Security fixes may periodically be released to deal with potentially malicious websites, and if your browser is not kept current it will be more susceptible to attacks via spyware and other malware.

However, many people are nervous when their computer performs actions without their knowledge, and for privacy or security reasons they may not want Opera periodically contacting a server to determine if an update is available. Others may not mind this contact, but would prefer to only be notified if an update is available and not have it install automatically.

1. Click the "Tools" menu, selecting "Preferences". Or press Ctrl + F12

2. When the "Preferences" multi-tabbed dialog box appears, click the "Advanced" tab.

3. On the left side of the "Preferences" dialog box, select "Security".

4. Next to "Auto-update", click the pull-down and choose from the following three options:

* Do not check for updates (if you select this, you need to manually check Opera's website for updates on a regular basis)

* Notify me about available updates (you will have to install them manually)

* Automatically install updates

When done, click "OK" on the dialog box to close it.

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