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What's the Best Way to Transition into a new PC?

Discussion in 'Questions and Answers' started by maynard, May 11, 2009.

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  1. maynard

    maynard Who, whom?

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    not really looking for anything major to do. right now im running XP. the new one will be Vista.

    i basically need to save some pics and doc files. i would also like to transfer my firefox settings

    i dont have a thumb drive. i was thinking of putting the pics and docs into a zip file and emailing myself.

    what about firefox?

    will there be an OS format issues with transfering them over?

    im open to any ideas or tips on the process. i may be overlooking somethings

    could i network the two PCs and drag and drop things from one to the other?
     
  2. anlgp

    anlgp ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A

    you could network them. i'd recommend backing the pictures and documents up onto a burnable media anyway (disc or flash drive - they are relatively inexpensive). firefox settings is another thing. I have no idea how to transfer that.

    there may be a version issue with firefox transferring (newer version) but you aren't transferring firefox from a windows to linux or mac OS so it should be ok minus the version update.

    also, if you're getting vista make sure you've got a decent bit (3 gigs+) of RAM or turn the flashy window borders off otherwise it'll slow up.
     
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  3. maynard

    maynard Who, whom?

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    thanks man. good ideas. yeah i have 3GB of ram. i was thinking 4 would be overkill
     
  4. anlgp

    anlgp ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A

    depends on the speed of the RAM and what you use your computer for on a day to day basis.
     
  5. Regan21286

    Regan21286 MCAT's, EMT's, AMCAS, ugh

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    I would really put some cash into getting at least a cheap USB drive. Pays dividends down the line when you least expect.
     
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  6. DOLBET

    DOLBET Active Member

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    I use 4 gb ram after finding that 3 gb ram is not enough for me. It all depends on what programs you are using...There is a big difference between 3 and 4 gb of ram but again it depends on what kind of programs you are using :)
     
  7. DaFish

    DaFish Well-Known Member

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    This is good advice and there are services you can disable that will help speed things up.

    I would like to mention Windows 7 is on the horizon as well. I have been using the RC for almost a week now with 2 gigs of memory. I have to say I am impresses thus far. Yes...I said impressed with a Microsoft operating system.
     
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  8. opfinistic

    opfinistic Braaaaains!

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    I echo the USB drive sentiment as well as the 4GB RAM. I upgraded my home PC from2-4 GB and wow, what a difference in speed. I love my 500 GB external drive too, it holds all my pics and personal things, if my computer goes down at least I have that.
     
  9. #1 fan

    #1 fan Well-Known Member

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    for firefox, i'd use an add on called febe (or something like that. it might have periods, because it's an acronym.)
     
  10. Killerphins

    Killerphins The Finger

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    You didn't really say what settings you want to migrate in Firefox to the new PC but I'm thinking you might be looking for a way to save bookmarks. Go to the Bookmarks pull down and click on Organize Bookmarks, then click on Import and Backup and choose Export HTML. Save the file to the desktop. You will have to put that on a flash or disc. To Import on the other machine once Firefox is loaded just follow the same process and Import HTML instead choose the file and your old bookmarks will be loaded on the new machine.

    If you are looking for a way to back everything up I would go the flash drive route. If you don't want to purchase peripherals e-mailing the stuff to yourself will work but it is a pain. You could also put the old hard drive into the new machine and set the jumper as a slave. It will then show up as a seperate drive to transfer data. This method is not recommended for the casual user.
     
  11. anlgp

    anlgp ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A

    by this opie means porn.
     
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  12. opfinistic

    opfinistic Braaaaains!

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    :no::yes::shifty:
     
  13. maynard

    maynard Who, whom?

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    im going to attempt to netowrk my PCs by setting up an FTP server. ill let you know how that works out lol
     
  14. anlgp

    anlgp ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A

    just make sure you don't delete anything or reformat your hard drive before you are positive the FTP works
     
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  15. maynard

    maynard Who, whom?

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    well i plan on making this a one time thing. after i get what i need from the old PC, im probably going to get rid of it. not sure what i can use it for
     
  16. maynard

    maynard Who, whom?

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    talked to a friend on mine tonight. he said its as simple as plugging both into my router and setting up a network. oh really? lol. i cant do that for my life lol
     
  17. GridIronKing34

    GridIronKing34 Silently Judging You

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    ...You can always get an external hadr drive that you only need to connect it with a USB cable (no plug in needed)... so you can download porn again.... :shifty:
     
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  18. Dolphin1184

    Dolphin1184 Member

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    If you are going to get a computer with more than 3 gigs of RAM and with Vista, get a computer with 64 bit Vista. It is actually a very solid OS, especially if it comes preloaded. Now I am using Windows 7 and it is even better. But either way, get the 64 bit version.

    As for transferring stuff: backup all documents, pictures, videos, and setup files to a USB jump drive. Everything else like programs you should reinstall.
     
  19. maynard

    maynard Who, whom?

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    is vista a piece of crap with a glossy cover? im constantly getting my CPU spiking at 100%. this only rarely happened with my XP system

    i cant run a torrent client and hope to get anything done. really disappointed
     
  20. anlgp

    anlgp ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A

    In most people's opinion :yes:

    I do not run Vista regularly so I can not tell you. I know that you can (and should IMO) turn all the flashy window dressing off. Your computer will speed up immensely.

    If you haven't bought it yet I would suggest XP while you still can or waiting until 7.
     
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  21. opfinistic

    opfinistic Braaaaains!

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    Vista is great for the casual PC user, but I found it had too many 'bells and whistles' and like Steve said, once you shut that sidebar, etc. crap down, it runs a lot better.
     
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  22. anlgp

    anlgp ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A

    yeah, i always turn the bells and whistles off. i want my computer functional, not to look pretty.

    this is how i keep my linux desktops as an example (though it's not my desktop):

    [​IMG]
     
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  23. maynard

    maynard Who, whom?

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    i do have it and its the 64 bit version. i hate it already

    if anyone wouldnt mind posting their vista display settings and such i would appreciate it

    so now i have to wait for windows 7 to come out and drop $200 on it?

    i know people are using it now, but what do you do when its expired?
     
  24. maynard

    maynard Who, whom?

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    one thing i did that appears to really make a difference is to have vista recognize both cores of my processor. apparently it normally only boots to use one. if i had a quad core, im sure it would help even more
     

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