If you have a multi-user subscription, you should be able to load it onto other computers at any time during the period of the subscription, and the clock starts ticking when you load the first one on. I have a 3-user subscription to Norton anti-virus and I loaded one right away, and another 6 months later. However, I have the disc. Since you downloaded yours, did you save the program on the first computer? If so, you could make a copy on a flash drive, and plug that into your netbook and install it. If you don't have that option, you should go go the Symantec web site. When you put the program on the first computer, there is typically a registration step that establishes an account at Symantec. Each time the program is installed and registered, the registration process takes you to the web site and the number of program installs is kept track of in your account. If you log into this account right now, it should show that you have two installs left of what you bought. If you don't have the program, and/or you can't remember how to get into your account (or can't retrieve the info), call Symantec tech support and explain the problem and they should be able to walk you through this. It would probably be helpful if you had your online receipt of the purchase handy when you do this.

Two steps backwards, one step forward. While dealing with the impending death of my own pc's hard drive, I had plenty of time to work on her computer. I opened the case. Cleaned out the dust bunnies much more thoroughly than I had in October. I found the fan - and actually took it out and cleaned it thoroughly (mostly compressed air, and a little damp cloth). I did remove the label and add a drop of WD 40. (While I was at it, I searched for replacement fans in case this didn't work - and bookmarked some - it would be so simple to replace if needed.) Put the pieces back together and started it up. Still noisy. I started organizing her files, deleting duplicates and ridiculous things she didn't even know she had on there. I put everything in logical folders - then copied her 16GB of video (Ipod videos and flip share) onto a 32mb flash drive. Deleted 8gb of that video bc. it's also on her ipod. Then I ran auslogics defrag. Defrag was 100% successful - and she now has about 15GB free on a 40GB drive. Now the noise is less. I hear the fan a little - but you have to stop to listen. Not sure if it just took running a little for the oil to do it's thing. From what folks said earlier, it's unlikely that freeing up space and defragging reduced the noise. So far, so good. (I even think I could have turned it on with the case open - but i didn't have to.) Thanks. Lynn.

I don't think 6 years is bad for computer life. Technology changes so fast that many change computers often even if nothing is wrong with the old one. But, have you had the computer looked at? See what it would take to have it fixed? We have a desktop system that is very rarely used. Hubby has a laptop and I have a netbook. I love my netbook (small laptop). I like Apple products. We both have Iphones and I use an Ipad. However, at work we use Dell and MS programs. I also do hubby's contract work bookkeeping, some of which goes on to the accountant. The accountant uses MS. So, no Mac for us. My dad is crazy over his! I don't think though that you have to go with a Mac to avoid virus problems. You don't open email attachments unless you know what they are - right? I'd be curious as to where you're picking up the virus.

Another vote for Team Viewer. I use the free version to help out a 90-something user with limited ability. Set it up when you have yourself, both PCs and your mother all in the same room. Go through a few trial runs, then put a shortcut for the program on her desktop view.