Alexander: Can you move your Office to a new PC?

Q: I recently purchased a new PC for my daughter, and I'd like to move Microsoft Office 2007 from her old PC to her new one. I have the product key (a number code needed to install Microsoft software), but I can't find a way to download Office 2007. As an alternative, I still have the software key and licensing rights to install Microsoft Office 2010 Professional on another PC, but I can't find where to download it, either. What can I do?

Brad Kaus, Eagan

A: The most practical solution is to download Microsoft Office 2010 Professional at tinyurl.com/kkprrr6. This is a trial version that works for only 30 days unless it's unlocked with a software key, which you have.

You also can download Office 2007 from Microsoft by entering your product key at tinyurl.com/cus2at. But because Microsoft no longer provides updates for Office 2007 (see tinyurl.com/mddjs9g), reusing it is less desirable.

There also is a potential licensing problem in reusing Office 2007. If the software came preinstalled on the old PC, it can't be moved to a new one.

Q: I wrote on a desktop PC for years, but now need a light, portable computer with a reliable, good-feeling keyboard for when I'm not at my desk. I've looked at laptops, notebooks and tablets with attachable keyboards, but I'm not sure what to buy. I primarily use the computer for e-mail, Internet research and intensive writing. Also, I know nothing about Windows 8 or other technical issues. Do you have any suggestions?

Marc Mogil

A: For accuracy and reliability, you need a physical keyboard, not a virtual keyboard on a tablet screen or one of the flimsy add-on keyboards sold for use with tablet computers. While a desktop computer offers the best keyboard (the keys are large and spaced far enough apart that you're unlikely to hit one key when you mean to hit another), the keyboard on a larger laptop also works well for typing once you get used to it.

I'd avoid Windows 8, which can be difficult to use. Dell still sells Windows 7 laptops (see "Windows 7 Deals" at tinyurl.com/os2j4ud.)

Q: You recently suggested four free Windows PC security programs. Can you direct me to that column? I just bought a tablet computer, and didn't think about adding security software.

Claudia Flatland

Menomonie, Wis.

For Google Android tablet security software, see tinyurl.com/jvksqsw. For Apple iPad software, go to the iTunes store and search for "iPad security app."