windows explorer has stopped working?

I.E., but here is a good alternative:

Opera Web Browser | Faster & safer | Download the new Internet browsers free

is that a free download?

No, it is freeware, not just a free download.

The most common complaints about Opera are from those who don't take the time to understand it. They range from being too ugly, too bulky of an interface to too complex. None of these are true, but it does require some configuration to make it suit one's taste. Here is a screenshot of how I have mine configured:

I guess the question I'm asking about free download is if I have to pay for it in some way shape or form. I dont mind trying another browser but freeware is a only a term to me and I'm just starting to learn about all this. so is freeware free or is there an obligation or catch somewhere in the process of downloading Opera?

Freeware means free. Free download could mean that the download is free, but you may have to pay to use the program beyond a certain trial period, or that it will continue to function on a limited basis. Don't look for free download, look for freeware. Another good thing to look for are open source, which is another form of freeware.

Mozilla | Firefox web browser & Thunderbird email client

FF <3 forever... lol

On IE have you tried to uninstall and reinstall / or update it ?/ Also any new addons have you added lately that may cause this. as some or known to.

Firefox is more popular than Opera, but it shouldn't be.