According to Seattle news columnist, Ion Zwitter. Microsoft Corp. has declined comment on the embarrassing revelation that the new Windows Vista “startup chime”, the musical vignette that is played to calm and distract users while waiting on the operating system to complete the boot up process, was created exclusively on Apple computer systems. The controversial tidbit was reportedly slipped during an off-the-record interview of a composer on the twenty member team that worked for over a year to create the harmonic tidbit.
During an annual trade show and conference for professional composers, Jacob Nutley, in response to a question on musical software, posed during ClefWeek 2007, who assisted during the Vista music production, said, “I’m generally most comfortable working with a Macintosh, normally on Encore or Sibelius. They’re available for PC systems, but I need a stable operating environment to avoid distraction, particularly when working on long-term projects like the Vista startup theme.”
When pressed, Mr. Nutley admitted that the entire Windows Vista composition team used exclusively Apple Macs for the project. “While Windows has certainly come a long way, Apple computers are simply more conducive to fostering and supporting a creative dynamic,” Mr. Nutley said. “That’s the way its been for decades. People use PCs for spreadsheets and databases, Macs for creative projects.”
“It’s not like I have an ideological position on the issue,” Mr. Nutley said. “It’s simply habit, practicality, and personal preference.” “Not to mention that my paycheck is directly related to the finished work product I produce. I simply loose to much time futzing with Windows”
Several other members of the composition team also confirmed Mr. Nutley’s assertions, however on condition that they remain anonymous, fearing possible financial or other repercussions from the Microsoft legal department.
“Yes, we used Macs, Mac-based software durring every stage of the Vista music project,” one composer said. “The first time a PC ever got close to the Windows Vista ditty was when the first prototype was booted up, and even then it crashed before we could hear the final chime.”
While Microsoft has refused to comment on the allegations, a blanket denial is expected to be issued shortly by the Microsoft press office.
“I don’t really see what the fuss is all about,” a technical adviser on the composition team, who also requested anonymity, said. “I mean, they’re both good operating systems. I personally wouldn’t let a Vista based computer into my home or office, but that’s just me. I’m sure PCs have their uses, just as Macs have their uses.”