"I just bought a new notebook computer. Can I move all the programs from my desktop PC to my notebook without needing to reinstall?"
The short answer to your question is, yes. Most of the time you can move programs from your old computer to your new computer. In some cases, when you move applications between two comptuers, installation will be required because of the way that particular application works. At the very least you will reduce the number of programs you need to re-install. The trick to making this work is you need to purchase some additional software to move programs between two computers.
My recommendation for making this kind of move is an application called MoveMe. If you search for similar applications, you might also run across something called PCmover. They are actually the same application. SpearIt software, the creators of MoveMe, sold the software to a company called Laplink, which then changed the name of MoveMe to PCmover. The reason I prefer MoveMe is that you can try it for free before you commit to buying it.
The first step in your process is to download MoveMe.
You will need to install MoveMe on both computers in order for the transfer to work, but you only need to purchase one copy of the software to make the transfer work. Depending on which method you choose, you can make the application transfer across your home network or using a special USB cable. In general, I recommend using the home network method whenever possible.
After installing MoveMe on both computers, you then step through a simple wizard to determine which stuff you want to move from your old computer to your new computer. In addition to moving computer programs, MoveMe transfers files, browser bookmarks, email, and basic settings for applications like Microsoft Word.
Download MoveMe to start moving your applications.
