Microsoft buys online ad company
The all-cash deal is Microsoft's largest acquisition ever and comes with an unusually large premium, underscoring just how critical Microsoft believes the acquisition is to its troubled efforts to become a major force in the fast-growing Internet advertising business.

Cyberattack on Estonia stirs fear of 'virtual war'
The computer attacks, apparently originating in Russia, first hit the Web site of Estonia's prime minister on April 27, the day the country was mired in protest and violence. The president's site went down, too, and soon so did those of other ministries.

Governments using filters to censor Internet, survey finds
Study of 40 countries finds 26 that block a wide range of content, from human rights to sexuality.

Hewlett-Packard's focus on design gives its PCs an edge
Hewlett-Packard's effort to transform its personal computers from low-margin commodities into more stylish devices helped lift revenue 12.7 percent in the quarter.

New Google search will find text and images
The new service underscores the continual efforts by major search engines like Google, Yahoo, Microsoft and Ask.com to improve offerings to attract users.

The attorney general of New York, Andrew Cuomo, files suit aimed at Dell
The action accuses the computer company of deceptive business practices and of failing to provide adequate customer service.

Sony reports big loss but expects rebound
Sony posted its worst quarterly loss in four years on Wednesday but said strong television sales and popular movies like "Spider-Man 3" would put it back on course to recovery this year for an expected record profit.

Kodak got into the inkjet printer business and shook things up
The new Kodak printer doesn't run away with the crown, but it easily holds its own against much bigger, more experienced manufacturers.

Gadgets of the Week
Simplicity on wheels; Pleasing to the ears, and pretty, too

Worlds in collusion: Web and TV merge
The frontier of couch-potato heaven is using a PC to bring the bounty of the Internet to the TV set.

The End User: Positions on Icann, the Internet addressing agency, are open
Vinton Cerf says there are few higher callings than helping to keep the Internet running smoothly and securely.

EU ministers back plan to cut cellphone roaming fees
Negotiators for the 27 EU telecommunications ministers endorsed a compromise to limit per-minute roaming fees to 49 euro cents, or 67 U.S. cents, for making cross-border calls and 24 euro cents for receiving them, according to people at the meeting.

Copyright extension urged for U.K. sound recordings
British copyright laws on sound recordings must be extended beyond 50 years to prevent veteran musicians like Cliff Richard and Paul McCartney from losing royalties in later life, a report from a parliamentary committee said Wednesday.