The Dos and Dont’s of Data Transfering

Transferring data is something that almost each and every one of us will have to do at some point. Whether you wish to backup your data, move everything on one computer to the next, or simply have multiple files strewn across multiple systems, these tips will make sure that your files are safe and sound throughout the whole process.

DO back up your data

Before you even start data transferring, see to it that you are able to restore any and all files that are being transferred. You might wish to use backup software if you have too many important files. If your data mainly consists of text, though, you could just use email.

DON’T copy manually

When copying manually, you have to know exactly what you’re doing and even then you can run into problems. Some programs simply can’t be manually copied for a number of reasons. Some have certain registry entries that make them immune to copying. Others are just too complicated overall. The worst bit is that it is difficult to tell if a program is copyable or not. Plus, with so many options for transferring data, you’d be a fool to go the hard route.

DO check for free transferring software

Certain versions of Windows come with a data transferring wizard that makes it a breeze to send files on one computer to the next. You can figure out whether your OS has this wizard by checking the “start” menu. If your computer doesn’t have this wizard, though, don’t worry; there are plenty of great third party data transfer programs, but this leads us to our next “don’t”……

DON’T choose just any transferring software

Yes, there are a great many of data transferring programs out there but they aren’t all created equally; not by a long shot. Your best bet is to look at the critics’ reviews of the many different brands out there. But if you pick a good one you’ll be able to transfer files in the easiest way possible, all with the click of a mouse.

DO check your operating system

Before you start trying to transfer data on an older computer to a newer one, make sure that the two operating systems are compatible. Windows Vista and XP, for instance, are great programs but it can be difficult to transfer files on one of these systems to Windows 7. In an instance like this, you’ll almost definitely want some migration software.

DON’T feel like you have to transfer everything

Though transferring data has never been easier, it still doesn’t mean that you have to transfer every bit of software you have. Besides, free programs like search engines download so quickly and easily that you may as well just save the trouble and install them later. Also, most software makers suggest that you should freshly install your programs each time you get a new computer rather than transferring them.

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