What was Clippy's primary function?

Clippy was designed to assist users with various tasks in Microsoft Office, such as writing letters or creating resumes.

Was BonziBuddy really spyware?

BonziBuddy was considered adware, as it displayed advertisements and collected user data, but its intentions were more nuisance than malicious.

Can I still use Clippy or BonziBuddy today?

While Clippy is no longer supported, some users have found ways to revive it, and BonziBuddy can still be downloaded, although its functionality may be limited.

💾 Old Internet & Mix

Clippy vs BonziBuddy

Peak desktop sidekick — Clippy the paperclip or Bonzi the purple gorilla?

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Who's winning: Clippy or BonziBuddy?

No votes yet — be the first to weigh in on Clippy vs BonziBuddy.

Clippy and BonziBuddy are infamous desktop sidekicks that evoked strong emotions. Their annoying yet endearing presence sparks memories of the old internet. People argue about which one was more iconic and intrusive. This debate is about their impact on users.

Why each side wins

📎 Clippy

Clippy was a built-in Microsoft Office assistant, making it a default part of many users' experiences. It offered helpful suggestions, even if they were often unwarranted. Clippy's intentions were pure, aiming to assist with tasks. Its integration with Office made it a familiar face.

🦍 BonziBuddy

BonziBuddy was a free-floating desktop companion that could read web pages aloud and tell jokes. Its playful and interactive nature made it appealing to some users. However, its adware tendencies and potential for mischief tainted its reputation. BonziBuddy's independence from a specific application made it more versatile.

Tale of the tape

📎 Clippy

Era: 1997-2007
Home: MS Office

🦍 BonziBuddy

Era: 1999-2004
Home: Windows desktop

The verdict

To weigh the choice, consider how you value intrusion versus helpfulness. Some people prefer Clippy's integrated approach, while others enjoy BonziBuddy's freewheeling nature. Ultimately, the decision comes down to which type of desktop companion you find more charming or frustrating.

Old Internet & Mix standing

Full leaderboard →

Clippy

#27 / 50

1500 ELO

BonziBuddy

#28 / 50

1500 ELO

Frequently asked

What was Clippy's primary function?: Clippy was designed to assist users with various tasks in Microsoft Office, such as writing letters or creating resumes.
Was BonziBuddy really spyware?: BonziBuddy was considered adware, as it displayed advertisements and collected user data, but its intentions were more nuisance than malicious.
Can I still use Clippy or BonziBuddy today?: While Clippy is no longer supported, some users have found ways to revive it, and BonziBuddy can still be downloaded, although its functionality may be limited.