Microsoft's $300 million (£170m) advertisement campaign designed to improve the image of Vista kicked off last night on US television.

The advert, which featured Jerry Seinfield and Bill Gates, sees the pair meet at a shoe store and is designed to build up a rapport with the audience.

Speaking about the campaign to Reuters, Microsoft's corporate vice president Brad Brooks said: "What the brand stands for, particularly in the case of Windows Vista, has been defined by the competitors," referring to Apple's Mac vs PC adverts.

"The time is now for us to get in and start telling our story," added Brooks.