Can you transfer software between computers?

[ArcticLemming]

I'm probably going to have to get a new desktop computer soon. The problem is I work from home and need quite a lot of specialised software which is a pain to get (have to apply in writing to the university IT dept. etc...). Is there a way of transfering software from one computer to another without having to do all this, as it will take weeks?
Sorry if this is a really stupid question - I'm a luddite!
Thanks

you can get software that claims to do it

eg this

Hire a pc geek to do it for you. If you have the licences they can transfer it for you in a couple of hours.

Thanks both of you - think I'll hire a geek asI'm a bit challenged in this department.