BonziBuddy facts for kids
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| Developer(s) | Bonzi Software, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Initial release | 1999 |
| Stable release |
4.1 / 2005
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| Operating system | Microsoft Windows |
| Type | Virtual Assistant, Adware, Spyware, Malware |
| License | Freeware |
BonziBuddy (pronounced BON-zee-bud-ee) was a computer program that acted like a helpful friend on your desktop. It was created by Joe and Jay Bonzi in 1999. This program was free to download and use.
BonziBuddy could do many things. It would tell jokes, share interesting facts, help you with downloads, and even sing songs. It used a special technology from Microsoft to talk and interact with you.
However, BonziBuddy also caused some problems for users. Many people called it "spyware" and "adware." Because of these issues, the company stopped making BonziBuddy in 2004. The company's website closed down a few years later in 2008.
Contents
What was BonziBuddy?
BonziBuddy was a type of virtual assistant. Think of it like a very early version of a digital helper, similar to what you might find on a smartphone today. It was designed to make your computer experience more fun and interactive.
When you used BonziBuddy, a cartoon character would appear on your screen. This character would talk to you using a computer-generated voice. It could answer simple questions and offer help with basic computer tasks.
How BonziBuddy Looked and Sounded
The program used a special technology called Microsoft Agent. This was the same technology used for the famous "Clippy" helper in Microsoft Office.
- Early Look: At first, BonziBuddy used a green parrot character named Peedy. This parrot was one of the characters already available with Microsoft Agent.
- Later Look: In May 2000, BonziBuddy got its own special character. This was Bonzi, a friendly-looking purple gorilla.
- The Voice: BonziBuddy spoke to users with a computer voice. This voice was called Sydney. It came from an older speech program.
Why BonziBuddy Caused Problems
Many experts and computer security companies said that BonziBuddy was a type of spyware and adware.
- Spyware: This means a program might collect information about you or your computer without you knowing. Some reports said BonziBuddy collected user information.
- Adware: This means a program shows you advertisements, often without your permission. BonziBuddy was known for showing ads.
People reported that BonziBuddy would do things like:
- Change your web browser's main page (homepage) to bonzi.com without asking you.
- Show you many pop-up ads.
- Install a special toolbar in your web browser.
Computer security companies like Trend Micro and Symantec also identified BonziBuddy as adware. Because of these issues, the program was eventually stopped.
See also
In Spanish: Bonzi Buddy para niños
