File Sharing Service with Opera Unite

Opera Unite is an intriguing concept that aims to turn any computer or mobile device running Opera into a web server. This means you can easily share files or photos with other people without having to upload them first. There's more to it than that, though. Friends can leave messages for you on a virtual fridge and chat with you in your 'lounge', and you can even stream your music collection over the internet. The Unite download includes the Opera 10 browser. if you already have Opera installed, you'll be given the opportunity of upgrading to the new version.

To use Unite, you'll need an Opera account. Go to Tools, Opera Unite Server, Enable Opera Unite and fill in the requested details. Once that's done and you've validated your account, you're all set.

Opera will now display what looks like a web page but it actually being hosted on your computer. You can add a personal message here and active the various services you want to run. Each service, whether it's the fridge or photo sharing, has its own address that you can pass on to your friends and, best of all, they don't need to be running Opera to access your pages or content.

Obviously, you don't want just anyone being able to help themselves to your shared files or leave you messages, so Unite lets you choose a level of privacy and set passwords. It's early days for the technology but it certainly shows promise. The services on offer are simple but they give you an idea of Unite's potential.