[otep1760]

is a firewire cable a must when it comes to transferring files from my old mac to my new one? or is there another way to do it? thanks

[peeb]

It's not the only way, but probably the easiest, since you can use migration assistant.
If you really don't like this, you can use wireless, ethernet cables, cd-rs, external hard-drives, or telepathy.

[OreoCookie]

It is by far the easiest way and in many situations also the cheapest (e. g. if you have to buy DVDs). Plus, it's the easiest way to transfer all your settings and apps automatically … 

If you want to do everything manually, you can copy all your files via network, too. One thing you shouldn't do is cloning (since I assume your old Mac is a PowerPC-based Mac, the new one is an Intel machine).

[otep1760]

if i were to do it with an ethernet cable how would i do it?

[peeb]

You would plug the two machines into one another, and set up file sharing so that you could copy files across. Much more of a pain in the ass.

[OreoCookie]

Honestly, I would plunk down $3 for a cable and be done with it. Most apps work without reinstalling (almost all of them), your settings, fonts, etc. are transfered automatically (unless you choose not to) and it's much quicker. Compare the instructions.

Instructions for transfer via network
However, if you want to transfer the stuff via your network, choose a wired LAN (it's pointless to transfer several GB via a WLAN).
(1) Go to the system prefs of the `old' Mac > Sharing. Activate Personal File Sharing. Memorize the name of the computer.
(2) Go to Networking > Ethernet > AppleTalk and make sure the AppleTalk check box is ticked.
(3) Fire up your new Mac, install the OS and configure your network.
(4) Activate the Finder, and select Go To > Connect With Server in the menu. Enter afp://[name of your old Mac] and click in Connect.
(5) Enter the user name of your the user whose data you want to transfer on your old Mac.
(6) Copy all relevant data in your user directory. Make sure to copy relevant files in your Library. Do not simply overwrite the files in your `new' Library! Especially if you switch between different versions of OS X!
(7) Go back to your old Mac and gather all the data which is located outside of your user folder (e. g. in Applications or in /Library). Copy them into your user directory.
(8) Transfer those files to your new Mac. Again, don't overwrite the corresponding files on your new computer!
(9) Install all applications on your new Mac, if you have to (some of them install components in your Library)! Transfer your fonts. Import your old Mail and settings via the Import Wizard.

FireWire Cable + Migration Assistant
Now the same procedure using OS X' Migration Assistant.
(0) Get a $3 cable.
(1) Restart your old Mac in Target Disk Mode by pressing T. (A FireWire Logo should appear on the monitor.)
(2) (a) Install OS X on your new Mac. After the base installation, you are asked whether you want to transfer data from an old computer.
(b) If you have installed OS X already, launch Migration Assistant located in Applications/Utilities.
(3) Connect the two Macs with the FireWire cable.
(4) Select the stuff you want to have transferred and click OK.
(5) Have a coffee, go for a walk and relax.
(6) Done. All your settings have been transfered (e. g. Networking locations, network settings, Mail's rules, e-mails, applications, everything).

[peeb]

Yep. Much, much better.

[otep1760]

I do not see the this step when i start up my new mac, any tips?

(4) Activate the Finder, and select Go To > Connect With Server in the menu. Enter afp://[name of your old Mac] and click in Connect. .


i just got a external hard drive to hold my files but when i plug it in it says the hard drive cannot be modified. any help on that? thank you a lot!

[peeb]

any tips?

Get a firewire cable.
You know the finder is the face on the bottom left?
On the top of the screen, when you have clicked it, is the Go menu.
On it is the 'connect to server option.'
Send me your postal address. I will buy you a firewire cable.

[peeb]

Originally Posted by otep1760 

i just got a external hard drive to hold my files but when i plug it in it says the hard drive cannot be modified. any help on that? thank you a lot!

It's probably formatted for NTFS, a format Macs can read, but not write. Format it for HFS+ with Disc Utility. And get a ****ing firewire cable.

[otep1760]

how do i format the HD? sorry this is so complicated.

[peeb]

Open disk utility.
Select the drive to format.
Click on Erase.
Select to format it for HFS+

Seriously.
You will thank me if you get a firewire cable.

[OreoCookie]

Originally Posted by otep1760 

how do i format the HD? sorry this is so complicated.

Is this a USB or a FireWire drive? If it's a FireWire Drive, just take the cable and use it to connect the Macs. With your background, I'd really, really suggest you just get a FireWire cable and be done with it. It'll save you a lot of trouble.

[peeb]

I'm beginning to love this thread.