Here is some helpful information and tips for transferring files to a new computer.
Use a File-Transfer Tool
There are many file-transfer utilities for automatically moving your files, settings, and programs to a new computer.
- Microsoft offers their own tool, known as “Windows Easy Transfer.” It’s built into Windows.
- Apple offers a Migration Assistant tool built into Mac OS X, which can help you migrate from an older Mac to a newer Mac. It can also help you migrate from a Windows PC to a Mac.
Transferring Programs to a New Computer
Sometimes your data is not all you will want to transfer from your old computer.
You may also want to move over some of your favorite programs and applications. The only complication is that you may have to upgrade those programs and applications for compatibility with your new computer.
Copy the Files
The manual solution works for basic backups, and it works for basic file transfer too. Here are a few steps.
- Connect a large external hard drive to your old computer and drag-and-drop (or copy-and-paste) all the files you need from your old computer onto the drive.
- Disconnect the drive from the old computer, connect it to the new computer, and move the files onto the new computer.
Transferring Your Files from a Mac to a PC or to a Mac
- connect your external hard drive to your new computer with a USB cable and manually moving the files over.
- If both computers have FireWire, you can transfer files without the need for an external hard drive.
Ensuring Data Safety
Do not forget the importance of backing up your data if you are storing all of your files locally on your computer. If you own a Mac, you have a variety of choices and platforms for backing up your data, depending on what version of OS X you’re running. Options range from the iCloud to programs like Time Machine and Time Capsule.
How to Wipe a Hard Drive
Moving files off your old computer does not entirely get rid of them. One of the best ways to clear off your hard drive or “wipe” it is to use a third-party software program that will remove all traces of information that existed on your hard drive. This makes it possible for you to hand your old PC down to someone else without having to worry about remaining information or passwords.