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 an 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 components.

If the computer is more than six years old, the thing probably has no hardware that would serve the new computer well. However, if you have purchased any new peripherals or monitors for an older system, they may be able to be passed on to the new system.

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 move it over to your new computer. Not buying a monitor can shave a few hundred dollars from a 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 a second monitor to your system. Most computers support dual monitors. Note that you need a second video adapter to make this happen.

Disk drives

The hard drive is one of the first things to go on an older system, so relying on it for a new computer is 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 that you have the original installation discs, which helps the new computer recognize your older hardware.

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

Memory

Memory is something that you generally cannot move from computer to computer. The reason is that older memory is probably of lower capacity and slower speed; a new computer probably needs higher-capacity memory (256 MB versus 64 MB SIMMS, for example) 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. If you have recently purchased an expansion card for the older system and it offers some feature that the newer system lacks, consider the move.

Suppose that you just bought a USB expansion card for your old PC, and the new PC also lacks USB ports. Moving over the old USB expansion card could be a good move. Ditto for newer network cards and high-end graphics adapters.

• 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! Don't forget your printer's original software disc! You may need it to install the software drivers for your 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-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. As long as you always have a way to connect the device to the computer, and you still have the software and installation manuals, reinstalling the peripheral for the new system is a snap.

• You don't need 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 continue to take over the world.
• As you get more adept at using and upgrading computers, you may find yourself ordering the 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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