How many people do you know who use Clippy or the search dog?

[aysiu]

In my decades of using and watching other people use Microsoft's operating systems, I have yet to see a single person actually use either one, and I've often seen people not only avoid the two helper animated characters but actively be annoyed by their appearings.

And I'm not just talking geeks or power users here. I mean everyone I have ever seen using Word or searching for files has been annoyed by either or both characters.

The only difference between geeks/power users and other users I've seen in this situation is the geeks/power users turn the characters off, and the other users just get visibly annoyed but think the characters are an unavoidable part of computing life.

What's your experience?

Did you use those characters on Windows? Or do you know others who do?

[Whiffle]

I make it a point not to install that option when installing office.

[aysiu]

I make it a point not to install that option when installing office.
[Naive me]: there is an option not to install Clippy?

[fiddledd]

My son, who is 28 and should know better, is still amused by the search dog.:)

I don't use search much as my XP box is used mainly for video encoding and DVD authoring.

[Whiffle]

[Naive me]: there is an option not to install Clippy?


Yep! When you're installing Office, you have to select Custom install, and then scroll down to the options that are for all office programs. In there the Office Assistant is listed, just click and say "Do not install"

[cmat]

I disable helpers. They are very unprofessional.

[HellNoire]

Coming from Windows XP to Ubuntu, I find them a pain in the rear to get things done. And the first thing I did after a fresh install of XP was to remove them.

[CrazyArcher]

I actually find the dog kinda cute. It gets irriating after a while, but it's still cute.

[jrusso2]

When I install Office I do a custom install and leave those annoying things out.

[lisati]

I occasionally use the search function with the animated dog active, partly because I can't be bothered looking for alternatives, and usually only when I've forgotten where I've saved a file.

EDIT: BTW, I don't have a copy of MS Office on my my machine.......did I initially miss that this is what was being referred to?

[Calash]

Some of my clients do. Mostly scientists and researchers who, while very intelligent, know little about the computer. It is just an easier form of the help file to them.

Personally I do not use them, and shut them off on computers I use.

[Canis familiaris]

I loved Clippy. He was a nice pet. :D

[rockface]

Clippy (Our Lord), forecast all of the 21st century in paperback. The fact that you question is obvious, you need edification.

MICROSOFT LOVES YOU, DO NOT THINK AND MOVE ON. IF YOU QUESTION MICROSOFT THEN YOU ARE HANDICAPPED AND MICROSOFT WILL PROVIDE EDUCATION, FOR A FEE.

REPEAT AFTER ME, I LUV CLIPPY, I LUV CLIPPY!

[cammin]

The dog is sort of tolerable.
It's the alternate characters that are really creepy.
Merlin is so tall that he shrinks the search tool down and you have to scroll through it. Otherwise he's okay.
Courtney is annoying with the flying car that still makes tire screeching sounds.
Earl is downright creepy. What the heck is that thing supposed to even be? And why is he on a surfboard?

[Giant Speck]

When I use Office, I use Rocky the Dog instead of Clippy.