Q: We are in our 80s and only use a computer for documents, pictures and Web surfing. Our computer is about 6 years old. It moves along very slowly. Would you advise us to purchase a new computer to eliminate the frustration of having such a slow computer? We are reluctant because we do not know how to transfer our programs. -- June Zwald A: Yes, I would replace a 6-year-old computer rather than try to fix it. For your uses, even the least expensive new machine would be an enormous step up. While Windows makes it easy to transfer data to a new machine, that may not be effective for PCs running very early versions of Windows. My suggestion? Buy your new PC at a store that will do the transfer for you at no cost. Q: My computer keyboard is many years old. The space bar and a few others are quite shiny from oil on my fingers. I have tried soap, rubbing alcohol and a few other products without success. Do you have any more options? -- Ruth Furhovden A: Hi, Ruth. I knew one technician who cleaned keyboards in a dishwasher (without using soap). But I don't recommend that. Here's a Web page that offers some safer solutions: www.helpwithpcs.com/maintenance/cleaning-keyboard.htm. Also keep in mind that new keyboards can cost $15 or less, so replacing it may be the best fix. Q: I need to replace my old printer, which is not feeding well. I currently have an ink jet that seems to use so much ink I was wondering if I should consider a laser printer. Does ink last longer with a laser printer? How does the color compare to an Inkjet? -- Enid Logan A: Black-and-white laser printers are much more economical to operate than ink jet printers. While the savings aren't as dramatic for color lasers, they can make sense, too. Some color lasers include the ability to scan and fax. Here's a Web site that shows several (I'm not recommending buying from this business, just using it for examples): www.superwarehouse.com/Color(underscore)Lase(underscore)Multifunctio n(underscore)Printers/c3/2743. HAVE A QUESTION? Please send your questions to Bill Husted at tecbud@bellsouth.net. While he reads every e-mail, not all are answered. E-mails are selected for publication based on the likelihood that the answers will be of general interest. 