Gates, Ballmer optimistic about tech recovery

More social, please: Facebook nixes banner ads
Not only will Microsoft no longer serve Facebook's banner ads, the social network is shifting away from them altogether. Plus: Will Facebook hire a high-profile sales exec now?

Microsoft to patch 26 holes in Windows, Office
Patch Tuesday next week will address critical holes in Windows and Office, but not recent hole in IE.

Microsoft investigates new Internet Explorer flaw
Software maker says flaw could affect those running Windows XP who aren't using a "protected mode" that's turned on by default in Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Windows Azure finally ready for customers
Microsoft's foray into the cloud has been a bit tumultuous. Will Azure be anything more than a confusing experiment?

When it comes to Tag, Microsoft's it (photos)
Microsoft Tag is an effort to give printed publications and signs a way to directly link to online content.