According to the Budapest Sun, a local English-language publication, Ballmer had just begun a Monday address when he came under fire from a lecture attendee who, in addition to hurling eggs at the Microsoft chief executive, verbally assailed the company. Apparently, according to the Budapest Sun, the assailant, who had not been identified, expressed anger over Microsoft's  alleged role in limiting independent software development in Hungary.

The attacker -- with the phrase "Microsoft=corruption" penned in English on the back of his white dress shirt -- reportedly left the lecture hall without the intervention of police or university security.

Ballmer, who'd taken refuge behind a podium, quipped that it had been a "friendly" exchange.