When you purchase a new computer, there are many types of files you may want to move from your old machine. Most users will want to transfer digital photos and mp3 music from one computer to another. However, you may also wish to transfer information such as email settings, contacts, Internet favorites, user accounts, and software program configurations to your new computer.

If you are moving a small amount of data and have access to a high-speed Internet connection, email is a very convenient way to transfer information from one computer to another. Free email providers such as Google’s Gmail offer an impressive amount of storage space. You can email yourself files from your old computer, then download them to your new computer.

Using a CD burner or a DVD burner is a good way to transfer multiple digital photos or music files. When you use this method to transfer information from one computer to another, you also create a backup copy of your important files.

If you have access to a portable hard drive, these devices can make it easy to transfer information from one computer to another. FireWire drives offer the fastest transfer rate, but FireWire ports are not available on all PC computers. USB drives are reliable and easy-to-use, but many Macintosh computers will only be able to transfer information with the USB 1.1 standard.

When both computers are in the same location, you can use an Ethernet cable to transfer information between machines. If you don’t have a hub, router, or switch, look for a crossover cable to complete the process.

If you have purchased a new computer that is running Windows Vista, you can use the Windows Easy Transfer process to transfer information from your old PC computer running Windows 2000 or Windows XP. Simply start the computer running Windows Vista and follow the step-by-step tutorial that appears on the screen.

If you are trying to transfer information from an old PC to a new Macintosh computer, representatives from an Apple retail store or Apple authorized service providers may be able to provide transfer assistance. You can also use Move2Mac, a third-party hardware and software configuration, to complete the process.

No matter which method you use to transfer information from one computer to another, it is important to scan for viruses, adware, and spyware before moving your data in order to avoid accidentally transferring malicious content to your new machine. After you transfer information to your new computer, it’s a good idea to complete a second scan as an added precaution.