Congratulations! Computer prices are at an all-time low and now you are the proud owner of a new computer. It’s faster than your old one, has a larger hard drive and maybe gives you your first go at Microsoft Windows XP.
There is only one thing missing, all of your old data! This not only includes all of your treasured photographs and music but all of your Word and Excel documents as well as all of your internet browser favorites and your e-mail address book.
Transferring data from one computer to another is an unbelievable hassle, unless you know what you are doing. Although time consuming and a little cumbersome, there are steps you can take that will help the process be a bit more manageable.
The first thing that needs to be done is the new computer needs to be setup following the instructions that came with your new purchase.
Once that is up and running the amount of data that is to be transferred needs to be determined.
If there are limited files that need to be moved, the easiest method would be to burn the files on the old computer to a CD-ROM. Once the CD is burned the files can be downloaded to the hard drive of the new computer.
If the data transfer is greater than what can be held on a CD-ROM there are a few methods that will handle larger data migrations. The below mentioned methods will prevent the need to purchase pricey migration software.
- Via Network: This requires an in home network. If one is setup in the household or business, both computers need to be on the network. Once this is established both of the computer’s hard drives will be shared and files can easily be copied back and forth.
- Files and Settings Transfer Window: This is a tool that transfers data and Window Settings (mail and contacts for Outlook and Internet bookmarks) and is found in Windows XP. To find the tool, click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools and then Files and Settings Transfer Wizard. Once activated the Wizard will walk through the data transfer process step by step.
By: Cari Diaz
Posts Tagged ‘Hard Drive’
Computer Help – New Computer? Now What?
March 3rd, 2010More Home Network Basics – Additional Home Networking Components
November 18th, 2009
We have discussed the most basic home networking components. Here is a brief overview of those most basic components:
A switch is a device which directs information within your set of connections to its intended destinations.
A Router is a device which allows the connection of several computers and devices to your network, allowing them to share and exchange information.
A modem is a device which decodes packets of information sent to and from the Internet, allowing Internet service to be provided to your computer.
Connecting your Internet modem to a router will allow all the devices connected to that router to access a shared Internet connection.
Now we will be introduced to another set of components used commonly in network setups. While these components are not necessary for basic system operation, they can increase the usefulness and efficiency of your home set of connections.
Print Server
A print server can be very useful in order to incorporate a permanent printer into your home network. It is a device which allows a single (or several) printer/s to be shared by the various computers on your set of connections. This means that you can access the printer form the computer in your office, as well as your laptop, with no problems. The value of a printer server is further increased by the fact that it does not require a specific computer to remain on in order to access the printer.
Network Attached Storage (NAS)
This is a device which provides hard drive space to be shared for the entire system of computers. This means that any information stored on the shared hard drive will be accessible from any computer on the network.
There is also a way to accomplish this without the use of an NAS, but it is less efficient. It is possible to store information in a shared folder saved onto one computer in the complex. However, in order to access this information from another connected device, the original computer must be on. Also, any information will take up space on the computers hard drive. The use of Network Attached Storage resolves these problems, by having information accessible at all times, as well as adding more hard drive space to the network.
There are two common types of Network Attached Storage. Some units are available with a built-in hard drive, while others use an external hard drive. In the latter scenario, the hard drive space is easily upgradeable, should more disk space be needed in the future.
These devices should be your first steps to creating a useful, efficient, and modern home computer network.
By: Budda Oliver
