New Computer...Helpful Hints?

[jspchief]

As mentioned in the other thread, I have a new computer.

I was hoping to get some tips on the transition.

1. Best way to transfer data? I probably have about 8-12 Gigs of stuff that needs to be switched over. Songs, videos, pictures, documents, etc. Best route?

2. Apps? Over the years I've added some nice anti-spyware, adware, anti-virus type stuff using suggestions from this site. What freeware would you consider a "must have" in that regard. I'm currently using Adaware, AVG, Spyware Doctor, and Ewido. Is there better stuff out there? Links to any of it, old or new?

3. The comp comes with Norton, but I've heard a lot of bad things. Should I just remove it right off the bat? Also, is there a trick to removing all the other crap they bundle like the AOL BS?

4. What else? Any steps that you consider "a must" when you first get a computer? Quick tweaks to improve performance or avoid pesky tasks?

My biggest concern is that I'm getting rid of a machine that I've spent 8 years tweaking to my liking. No way will I remember all I've done on the way. I'd like to get off to a good start.

[StcChief]

If you can link the two machines together on network coping data would be easy.

If not consider pulling the HD from old machine, installing it as a slave drive (2nd drive on new one) this will be more involved but allow a much quicker copy. Then unslave it and remove it.

Control panel 'add remove programs' for AOL

Might be easier to download Ad-aware, AVG, Ewido again. use reg code from old machine.

Read up on Norton not sure it's all that bad....

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by jspchief

1. Best way to transfer data? I probably have about 8-12 Gigs of stuff that needs to be switched over. Songs, videos, pictures, documents, etc. Best route?

As StcChief mentioned, your options are pretty much doing it over a network or temporarily transplanting the drive of one computer into the other. The problem is that your new PC uses a SATA hard drive (not compatible with your old computer). You might get the transplant thing to work, but you'll probably have to put the old hard drive where the CD-ROM drive is in your new PC. The network thing would work great, but it's a little tricky to set up if you don't know what you're doing.

2. Apps? Over the years I've added some nice anti-spyware, adware, anti-virus type stuff using suggestions from this site. What freeware would you consider a "must have" in that regard. I'm currently using Adaware, AVG, Spyware Doctor, and Ewido. Is there better stuff out there? Links to any of it, old or new?

I think you've got everything covered there. I personally prefer Avast (free) antivirus over AVG, but that's just preference.

3. The comp comes with Norton, but I've heard a lot of bad things. Should I just remove it right off the bat? Also, is there a trick to removing all the other crap they bundle like the AOL BS?

The copy of Norton is probably just a 90-day trial, so you might as well just get rid of it. As for all the crap, just go through your "Add/Remove Programs" and get rid of all the AOL stuff and games (unless you want them). HP ships those things with around 20 games that you don't need. You can get them all at once by uninstalling the "WildTangent" program.

4. What else? Any steps that you consider "a must" when you first get a computer? Quick tweaks to improve performance or avoid pesky tasks?

After you've removed your unneeded programs, go to Start, choose Run, and type "msconfig" without the quotes. In the startup tab, disable everything that you don't need (like antivirus programs and other utilities you like). That will free up some memory and improve your performance. However, with a gig of RAM, this may not be a major concern.

[jspchief]

I don't think transplanting drives is going to work. This new comp is one of those mini bastards, and I just don't have access to things like I would in a normal tower.

So anyone want to expand on the networking thing?

Or are there other methods?

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by jspchief

I don't think transplanting drives is going to work. This new comp is one of those mini bastards, and I just don't have access to things like I would in a normal tower.

So anyone want to expand on the networking thing?

Or are there other methods?

You could do the transplant thing, but it might be difficult depending on how that thing's physically designed. An old HD will take the same connection as your new PC's CD-ROM drive. Disconnect the CD-ROM and connect your old HD and you'd be set. Once you're done transferring your data, reconnect the CD-ROM.

If you're interested in the networking idea, let me know what your setup is. Do you have a router, or just one computer directly connected to your modem?

[jspchief]

My DSL modem is a router too I believe.

Maybe I'll screw with echanging the drives. It just doesn't appear that I have enough cable to hook up the hard drive in place of the CD-ROM without removing it from the case completely.

I'm fine puuling my old hard drives, i've messed with that stuff before. It's just a matter of getting them connected to the new one.

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by jspchief

My DSL modem is a router too I believe.

Maybe I'll screw with echanging the drives. It just doesn't appear that I have enough cable to hook up the hard drive in place of the CD-ROM without removing it from the case completely.

I'm fine puuling my old hard drives, i've messed with that stuff before. It's just a matter of getting them connected to the new one.

Well, I was really looking for whether or not you'd be able to connect two computers to the internet simultaneously. Basically, you'd need to get the two PC's connected together either by using a hub/router/switch (bascially a box with multiple ethernet ports) or with a special cable called a crossover cable that can be used to go directly from one PC to another. If you get that far, let me know and I'll tell you the rest.

Another option would be to buy a USB to IDE adapter like this one that would let you connect your old HD as an external drive. I have one for my repair business, and it works great.

[jspchief]

That cable is definately my best bet. For $13, I wish that would have been the first suggestion.

I think I fried the motherboard on this new computer fucking around with the inside. Every time I try to power it up, the power supply shuts off.

Back to the store I guess.

[DaFace]

Originally Posted by jspchief

That cable is definately my best bet. For $13, I wish that would have been the first suggestion.

I think I fried the motherboard on this new computer fucking around with the inside. Every time I try to power it up, the power supply shuts off.

Back to the store I guess.

Weird. You'd have to fry something pretty bad for that to happen. At least you can return it! Sorry I didn't suggest the cable earlier - I was just looking for the "no cost" option first.