How to? Transfer to new laptop, cable

[UTUSN]

Have managed to install Trend, have decided on total gmail instead of Microsoft mail, only left with docs & pics. Was told to use thumb drive. Then cable with both plugs being USB. So no usb doubles in store, told HDMI doubles will work.

So basic question, when connected, basic steps: Select, Copy, Send? - HOW?

[Egnever]

1. Depends on how much data you have

Easiest way is an external drive.

[Dr Hobbitstein]

2. External or thumb drive.

Copy all docs/pics from old computer to thumb/external drive.
Then plug that drive into new computer and copy it from the drive to the computer.

You can get 128+GB thumbdrives for cheap. You can also get large capacity external USB drives for cheap.

[Kleveland]

3. You could just use an Ethernet cable.

Depending on your Ethernet port, you might need a crossover cable, and then you need to know something about static IP setup, and possibly sharing etc. You could use a switch, then no need for crossover cable. GBit ports also do not need a crossover. Or connect to a router with both computers and let that do DHCP IP addressing. Again, using file sharing as done in a networked situation.

External hard drive is likely the best an easiest.

I don't consider USB thumb drives as reliable when compared to hard drives, nor as fast.

[UTUSN]

4. Thanks but way above my paygrade. Been internetting, now worried about cables

Damage

[hunter]

5. When a computer dies it's good to have backup.

The money spent on an external drive (hard drive or thumb drive) to transfer files to a new computer isn't wasted. I have multiple external backup drives.

Linux makes it easy to clone an older machine to a new one, for me anyways. I install Linux on the new machine, including all the programs I use (which are free), and then I just drag and drop the contents of my home folder from a backup drive.

I keep them all in synch with my main computer. There are Windows programs that do the same thing, but I don't have one to recommend.

I've got files I first created in the 'seventies, and emulators for all the computers I've ever owned, and many computers I've worked with.

It's magic.

[UTUSN]

6. Thanks. Update, I don't have lots to transfer, did the pics & docs

on thumb drive. The one thing left i wanted was WinLiveMail that is discontinued, transfering a program. Am thinking of Forwarding every single saved email to gmail

[ManiacJoe]

7. Simple drag and drop.

Connect both computers to the same router (wired or wireless).
Share the source folders you want to copy from on the old computer.
On the new computer, drag and drop the files you want into the new computer's folders.