Setting Up a New Computer

by SK-B | Questions & Answers | 1885 Views

I have to write my question here because I can’t figure out how else to do it.

Do just files transfer, or do programs transfer as well? Do programs need to be re-downlaoded? Thanks, Dfk-b

Comments | 2

  • Submitted by jasonb on May 15, 2013 at 6:19 am

    Need to install them

    Most programs will need to be re-installed to function properly. Programs need to add entries to the system registry and set proper permissions on the system so just copying the program from one computer to another doesn’t fully install it.

    By the way – this program makes it easy to install a lot of common software at once: http://ninite.com/

  • Submitted by cgrotke on May 15, 2013 at 7:29 am

    Mac users

    If it is a recent Mac, one simply connects a cable to the old Mac and tells it to move everything. It will copy all the files, programs, and settings.

    One the new machine, you just start using it like your old computer. Your email is all set up, your browser bookmarks and favorites are there, and so on.

    The main problem for Mac users is that some software goes out of date every few years and can’t handle a system upgrade, requiring you to get new versions. It’s not every time they update things, but it is often enough to be annoying.

    Good luck with the new machine, whatever it is. Once it gets going you should be quite happy, I’d guess.

Leave a Reply