Microsoft Bob

Microsoft Bob

Seemingly aimed at a six year-old with a geography degree and finances to manage, Microsoft Bob represents possibly the most bizarre software flop of all time. Released in 1995, Bob was a graphical shell that ran on top of Windows 3.1 and Windows 95, and was designed to make computers more accessible for people who simply didn't understand Microsoft computers. The main result was in fact the revelation that Microsoft simply didn't understand people.

The Basics

The main graphical user interface at the time was that of Windows 3.1 - a series of drab windows containing various icons, with little assistance for those confused by the brave new world of computing. In order to make using your computer friendlier, Bob turned it into a house, complete with rooms, doors and pointless pot plants. Upon starting, Bob would display the door to your new virtual home, which like most homes had no real security whatsoever once you were through the front door. The first room you would arrive in was the Public Family Room, commonly known to most normal people as a lounge. Although a variety of customised rooms were available, each room basically acted as a desktop, with items scattered around the room acting as shortcuts to different programs. In case things got too simple, each room could also contain as many useless items as the user wanted, including the pot plants, fires, and chairs you might find in any home. Some rooms could be designated as private, but this was about as useful as closing your bedroom door - anyone could get in if they really wanted to.