Getting Set UpMigrating to a New Computer

Excerpted from Buying a Computer For Dummies, 2006 Edition*

If your main reason for buying a new computer is to replace an older computer, consider what really needs replacing. Quite a bit of the older computer's hardware may find a home inside or alongside the new computer. It all depends on the shape of the older system's component. The following sections illuminate what can, might, and shouldn't be moved to the new system.

Antiques: Don't bother

If your early computer is older than four years, then there's probably no hardware in the thing that would serve the new computer well.

• If you've purchased any new peripherals or monitors for the older system, then they might be able to be passed on to the new system. Refer to the following sections.
• So the hardware is crummy . . . but don't forget your data and software! That you'll likely want to transfer.
• Honestly, computers never really go out of date as long as they work. The new computers are faster, but given the choice between using an old clunky IBM PC/AT with WordPerfect 4.2 or a typewriter, I'd take the old clunky PC any day of the week.

Monitors

CRT monitors tend to fade and fuzz out with time. If your older computer's monitor is doing well or you just bought yourself a new LCD monitor, you can consider moving it over to your new computer.  Not buying a monitor can shave a few hundred dollars – or more, depending on the type of monitor you presently have – from the new computer's purchase price.

• As long as the monitor is in good shape, use it!
• Even if you already have a monitor for your new computer, you can add the second monitor to the system. PCs running Windows 98 and all Macintoshes (but not iMacs) can easily have two monitors installed. (You may need a second video adapter, though.)

Disk drives

Removing older hard drives and installing them into new computers is not a good idea. The hard drive is one of the first things to go on an older system, so relying on it for a new computer would be risky. Even installing the older hard drive as a "backup" is questionable. No, you're better off just getting the information from the hard drive and using a newer unit.

External disk drives can easily be moved to a new computer, simply by plugging them in. Always make sure you have the original installation disks, which helps the new computer recognize your older hardware.

Some internal disk drives, CD-ROMs, or maybe a new DVD or CD-R you added can be moved over to the new system no problem. Again, remember the original software installation disk so that the operating system recognizes the new hardware.

Memory

Memory is something you generally cannot move from computer to computer. The reason is that older memory is probably a lot "fatter" than your new computer can handle. "Fatter" means the memory is probably of lower capacity and slower speed; a new computer probably needs higher capacity memory (say 64MB versus 16MB SIMMS) and faster access times. No, moving over memory is a waste of time.

Expansion cards

Some expansion cards may work in the newer system; some may not. The best advice is that if you've recently purchased the expansion card for the older system and it offers some feature the newer system lacks, then consider the move.

As an example, suppose you just bought a USB expansion card for your old PC and the new PC also lacks USB ports. Then moving over the old USB expansion card could be a good move. Ditto for newer network cards and graphics adapters.

• You'll have the best success moving plug-and-play expansion cards to a new system.
• PCI and AGP cards are the best candidates for transfer to a new computer.
• Also worthwhile are specialty cards: video input cards for any video editing software you own, sound synthesis, and special waveform cards, as well as anything else you need with your software.

Printers

The easiest thing to move from an older computer to a newer model is a printer. This makes total sense: There's no point in buying a whole new printer just because you have a new computer. As long as the printer is working just fine, keep it!

• You might need a new printer cable. For example, new Macintoshes require USB printers, so a USB-to-Mac Printer adapter would be in order.
• Don't forget your printer's original software disk! You may need it to install the software drivers for the new computer.

Modems

Internal modems need to stay internal. Don't even bother removing one from your old computer. For cable and DSL or external dial-up modems – yes! – most definitely, move them over to your new system.

Other peripherals

Peripherals can easily be moved from an old computer to a newer model.

Scanners can also be passed from computer to computer, as can most other peripherals. Providing there is always a way to connect the device to the computer and that you still have the software and installation manuals, reinstalling the peripheral for the new system is a snap.

• No, there is no reason to buy a new scanner for a new computer if your old scanner works just fine.
• This peripheral keeping and sharing will become even more popular as USB devices take over the world.
• As you get more adept at using and upgrading computers, you may find yourself ordering the bare minimum when you buy. Just transplant your favorite items from the old system to the new model and you're off and running in no time!

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