Microsoft® Manual of Style, Fourth Edition

O

object

Do not use object as a synonym for item or thing unless you have no other choice. Try to be as specific as possible when you refer to an object because the term means different things in different contexts.

For example, in object-oriented programming, an object is an instance of a class. It contains both methods and data and is treated as one entity. Similarly, in COM-based technologies, an object is a combination of code and data that implements one or more interfaces. However, in assembly language, object refers to the object module, which contains data that has been translated into machine code.

Object Linking and Embedding

Note capitalization. Spell out on first mention. On subsequent mention, abbreviate as OLE.

obsolete

Do not use as a ...