Anthropomorphism can be defined as the attribution of human characteristics or behavior to inanimate objects. People give names to their automobiles and computers as a way to relate to complicated pieces of technology that they use regularly, but do not fully understand. Software designers may claim that their interfaces are intuitive, but in fact, software is too contrived to be intuitive. If navigating the program seems easier it is largely because the user has become more accustomed to programs of that type. Users have difficulty arriving at that point, however, without some built-in help, like interface guides. Interface guides, or agents, are navigational devices in the user interface which take action on behalf of the user. Some agents have been named and anthropomorphized into figures like a butler, a miner, or a wizard, and they can set forth the user's schedule, guide him through a program or online information resource, and offer feedback and encouragement. Interface guides can personalize and customize the interface, add structure to the software by organizing content around a specific guide, and integrate motivation and navigation. With video clips and snippets of audio, they do require a lot of "zorch," or processing power, as well as a lot of disk space, but many users already have both of these things in abundance. The major problems lie in the fact that more research on their effectiveness is needed and in the fact that much of the clip art that some designers depend on is rife with gender and racial stereotypes. Four reproductions of computer screens illustrate the discussion. (Contains 13 references.) (BEW)