How to install Opera 9.62 on Ubuntu 8.10 + plugins

1. Download the latest version of Opera Browser here to your Ubuntu desktop and then double-click on the .deb file to install it. The launcher will appear in Applications > Internet. You can create a panel launcher just clicking with the right button and select Add to Panel

2. Install the flash plugin. Open a terminal (click on Applications > Accessories > Terminal) and copy and paste:

sudo apt-get install flashplugin-nonfree

Now you will be able to see flash videos.

3. Install java, to upload pictures to Facebook or run any java application. In a terminal, copy and paste:

sudo apt-get install sun-java6-fonts sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin

That's all. Now start (or re-start Opera and enjoy the fastest and safest browser! …

Tweaks
The first time you run Opera you will notice that the color don't match with Ubuntu. To change this, just click on Tools > Appearence and select in color scheme > Gold.

You may see some blue. To change it, you have to tweak your QT/KDE applications to look more "gnome-like".
In a terminal, copy and paste:

sudo apt-get install qt3-qtconfig polymer

and then

wget http://www.informatik.tu-cottbus.de/~mkrause/debian/polymer/polymer_0.3.2-1_i386.deb

and now, run the qtconfig application:

qtconfig

Go to the tab Library Paths and add /usr/plugins, then in the tab Appearence select Polymer in the Select GUI Style now save (CTRL+S) and exit the qtconfig and restart Opera. You will see the change from the blue to the brown style:

And last but certanly not least, use Opera Link (File > Synchronize Opera) to synchronize your Bookmarks, Speed Dial, Notes and other useful browser data between your computer(s) and mobile phones(s).
More information about Opera running on Linux can be found on the Opera Forums.