Getting Set UpMigrating to a New Computer

Excerpted from Buying a Computer For Dummies, 2006 Edition*

On your older computer, you probably have lots of data files you have created, documents, images, and other information you need and use every day. The goal is to get those data files over to your new computer, if not all of it, at least the stuff you really, really need.

Here are the methods you can use to move over your data files:

• By disk: Copy all your data files from the old computer to a CD-R or Zip disc. Then move the files over to the new computer, by copying them from the removable disc to the hard drive. Yes, this process is lots of work and is also time-consuming.


• By network: If your computers are connected by a network, you can easily access the files on the old system and beam them to your new computer. This method is by far the easiest and most efficient way to do things.


• By cable: Second best to the network method of transferring files is to directly connect both computers by using a special data-transfer cable, available at most computer and office supply stores. You can then use software that came with your computer to help you move the files (for example, the Data Migration Wizard that comes with Windows XP; Mac OS X has a similar utility).


• By gizmo: You can also use solid-state USB drives, as well as any removable memory card or other media, to transfer files. For example, you may want to try a Lexar Media USB drive, which you can plug into any computer with a USB port. You can use this palm-size device to copy files from the older computer to the new one, with no cables or disk swapping needed.

However you make the connection, disc or cable, moving over the files is an important part of making the move.

• An interesting piece of software to check out is Unicenter Desktop DNA. It grabs not only software but also personalized settings and other options, which allows you to move your old computer's "personality" to the new system. Refer to the Computer Associates Web page for more information.


• Also available is the Personality Transport Pro (PT Pro) program, from Tranxition Corporation.

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