TECHNOLOGY - June 25, 1996

Microsoft Hires 2 Apple Software Writers: Steve Capps, one of the original software designers of the Macintosh personal computer, and Walter Smith, who designed the software for Apple’s hand-held computer, the Newton, will work in Microsoft’s Internet platform and tools division. Capps and Smith will design interfaces, the look of the software on the computer screen, for future versions of products such as Windows 95, Microsoft Corp. said. The programmers also may help Microsoft on the Pegasus operating system, a computer program scheduled to be released later this year for controlling hand-held PCs. Hiring Capps and Smith will be a big help to Microsoft, analysts said. Even though Microsoft has improved the look of Windows and other products tremendously in the last few years, the company has a long way to go in creating an easy-to-use interface.