Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer characterized Windows 7 as an improved version of Windows Vista this week, prompting the question of why consumers and businesses should adopt Microsoft’s current operating system, says PC Magazine.  Speaking at a Gartner-sponsored conference in Florida, Ballmer was asked what would make consumers and businesses buy Vista. The interview, held between Ballmer and Gartner analysts Neal MacDonald and David Smith, was published on the Gartner Web site. (more…)

Microsoft’s dramatic decision this weekend to withdraw its offer for Yahoo and not pursue a hostile bid raises a whole host of questions. What happens to Yahoo now? What happens to Microsoft? Or is this just a tactic to drive down the price of Yahoo’s shares so that Microsoft can go hostile with a lower offer? (more…)