Sunday, December 30, 2007

Setting-up Your New Computer 3

However, be aware: ~ Generally, these programs want to move all the contents of your old computer to your new computer. That's OK for your data files but moving the program files that run your applications may cause problems because older applications may not be supported by your new computer operating system. Transferring a Windows 95-era program to a computer preloaded with the Windows XP operating system could be a problem because many of those programs haven't been upgraded to run under Windows XP. ~ When you move the full contents of a computer system, everything moves over, including those obscure files that had your old computer running sluggish in its final days. ~ Moving data through a USB cable isn't fast, but it is faster than data transfer through a parallel port. 

Choosing a Data Migration Software Package ~ Does the software allow you to pick and choose which files are moved, or does it move EVERYTHING -- even the junk files? ~ How is the data transferred? A wireless network is faster than a USB cable, which is faster than a USB cable, which is faster than a parallel cable. Are you prepared to wait hours or even days for this transfer to take place? ~ If you're using the Internet as a holding place for your data, check your connection and upload speeds. It could take hours to move those files. ~ Consider investing in a high-capacity external hard drive, a plug-and-play device that you'll simply connect to your new computer. The drive, though more expensive, will get far more use than one-time migration software. 

Getting Ready for Your Data Migration ~ Get rid of all of your old files. Fill your recycle bin on your old computer with as much as you can. There's nothing worse than bringing useless data to the new computer. ~ Make a software checklist. Is your versions of current program applications compatible with Windows XP? Look on the Web for free Windows XP upgrades to new versions of the programs you need, such as your Palm desktop software. 

~ Does your new computer have preloaded software on it? Chances are good the latest Internet browser is already pre-load on your new computer and thus you do not have to transfer the older browser version. ~ Make a list of user names and passwords that are stored in files on your old computer and automatically appear when you visit Web sites. They could be lost in the move, denying you access on your new computer. Copyright 

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