Q: I’ve heard rumors that there are viruses that can take over your computer and demand a ransom to allow you back in. Can this really happen? — Kris

A: I have an old computer with (Windows) XP that is running very slow (I think it has a virus). I would like to get a new computer and transfer things to the new computer but I’m afraid it will transfer the virus. What should I do? -- Maureen

I was probably about 11 years old when I had my first experience with Internet safety.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Internet users scanning their Twitter feeds or Facebook accounts Sunday might want to add one more quick click to check their computer for malware.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Internet users scanning their Twitter feeds or Facebook accounts Sunday might want to add one more quick click to check their computer for malware.

Q: I was told that when a fake warning pops up on my screen that if I click on the X to close it, I will get infected. Is this true? - Tony

Q: With Windows computers being so cheap these days, how do I know when it's better to repair or replace my computer when I have a problem? - Glenda

Q: My antivirus program is about to expire, so do I renew it or buy new antivirus software?

Although the theft of personal information -- such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth and credit card numbers -- has been a big problem for individuals for a number of years, the equivalent for businesses has become a multibillion-dollar headache.

Q: Would an iPad work as a computer for my first-year college student, or should I just get them a laptop?

Q: I’ve heard that you can install software on laptops and smartphones that will allow you to track them if they are ever lost or stolen. Which ones do you recommend? — Clifton

Q: I plan on doing my taxes on my computer this year and want to make sure that I don't have any viruses that will steal my information. Is a virus scan enough or should I do more checks? - Michael

This week's advice column is a compilation of some of our favorite tips from 2010:

Should I install a security suite on my Mac? - Susan

A longtime client e-mailed me to ask if I recommended having a certain program run on a scheduled basis. The program happened to be a registry cleaner that she was considering purchasing. A few days later I received an e-mail from a reader asking virtually the same thing. The programs were the same so it sounds like a marketing ploy. This got me thinking about how long it had been since I had written a column on which programs I feel are beneficial for your computer maintenance and which ones may cause more harm than good. Please keep in mind that every PC tech has their own areas of expertise, so their advice may differ from mine.

I need to apologize to the guy in the cool looking blue Mustang convertible at the corner of Piedmont and 48th streets the other day. I truly was not calling you an idiot, but rather someone on the radio, really! I can appreciate why you may have had an uncontrollable spasm in your hand as a response to what you thought I had directed toward you but, honest, it was the radio.

I received a call the other day that went something like this; “Hi Mike? Do you guys do exorcisms?”

Q. I have MacAfee antivirus installed but still got infected by a fake security program that completely took over my computer. Should I be using something else for protection? - Gina

Q. I'm pretty sure a horrific virus infected the hard drive on my wife's computer. We need to have some way to back up our information, and I'm wondering if a similar virus would infect an external hard drive. - Stephen

Q. I have a 2-year-old Windows computer that’s running really slow, and I’m trying to decide whether to update it or replace it since computers seem to be getting really cheap these days. Any suggestions? — Gene

Ken Colburn: Before you get too hyped up about the 64-bit revolution, let's make sure you aren't "buying a car based on the tachometer."

Ken Colburn: A good practice whenever you receive any suspicious e-mail warnings is to copy the first paragraph and paste it into Google as a search.

Ken Colburn: Q. What makes Windows 7 better than Vista or XP? - Jacob

Ken Colburn:  The need for good protection software against the thousands of malicious software attacks is critical, especially since the cleverness of the attacks is on the rise.