GR
I have used Opera for some years. The free version (with Java that works) has adverts but they really are not intrusive. Its worth a try but another worth trying is SlimBrowser recommended in the Avant Browser discsussion.
Slim Browser is fast and although I only had a look at it for the first time after reading the Avant thread it looks good and java picks up the orginal Explorer settings so you don't have to mess aroung with Internet Options / Advanced.
Goates
I had problems dowloading the Firebrand installer and getting it to work without using Win Zip.