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Slideshow: 7 Biggest Microsoft Flops Ever

Start The Discussion | Paul McDougall | July 17, 2010 06:00 AM

Despite challenges by a resurgent Apple, upstart Google, and other new rivals, Microsoft remains the world's biggest software company with more than 90% of the desktop. But for all its dominance, Redmond rolls big clunkers from time to time -- and when it flops, it flops big. Here are seven Microsoft disasters that live in infamy.

Slideshow: 7 Biggest Microsoft Flops Ever

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BOB

Turns out most adults would rather learn to use a computer interface themselves rather than enlist the help of the childish, annoying, and at times condescending icons that were the hallmark of BOB-a Windows overlay that turned the desktop into a virtual house. Objects in the house were metaphors for common apps like word processors and spreadsheets, and goofy animations like Rover the dog helped the user find them. BOB debuted alongside Windows 95 and was shelved within two years (though Rover was reborn as Windows XP's canine search assistant).

Start with Windows 7, Office 2010, and SharePoint 2010 then add hybrid, on-premise/cloud options for productivity apps, enterprise apps, development and processing power and Microsoft has the makings for a big year. Learn more at 10 Drivers For Microsoft Surge In 2010.