Issue: With Vista, Microsoft overhauls look and feel of Windows/Todd Bishop, Seattle PI

To hear Jenny Lam talk about her line of work, a casual listener might think for a moment that she designs luxury automobiles, or maybe high-end furniture. "We've reduced it down to its simplest form, taken away until we couldn't take away any more, and then crafted it and perfected it until it's beautiful," she said, referring to one element of Windows Vista's on-screen interface. Longtime Windows users might be surprised, but that philosophy and attention to detail reflect a broader effort by Microsoft to improve the design of its operating system. Consumers will be able to judge the result starting Tuesday, when Windows Vista comes out.

Question: Do you plan to upgrade to Windows Vista within the next 6 months?

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