transferring data

I'm not sure where to ask this. I am still looking to buy a laptop or considering it so I thought it's still related to this section of the forum.

I would like to transfer my data which consists of programs and files (music, OpenOffice documents) etc. to the notebook. Some of the programs can be re-installed, probably. But, how hard is it to do this? These are on a desktop computer with Windows 2000 OS. I was thinking of using the current drive for a PVR program and then add a large storage drive for recordings. The notebook would be for watching movies, using music files, documents and basically most things I already do with the desktop. The desktop computer will be my pvr system so I will try to avoid doing much on it unless the notebook can't or I need to for some other reason.

The current drive is 120 GB and there is some room but notebooks usually have around this amount so it should be sufficient.

Does this sound doable or is it better to use another desktop? I thought it was a good idea to transfer to a notebook since I'd rather get a notebook than another desktop.

Comments?

 

1. Use a memory key or an iPod through the USB to copy data.
2. Or, download two copies of AIM on each computer and use file send.

Option 2 is the slowest because it's wireless but it can easily be a quick hour thing. But if you're pushing gigs of data make sure the router can handle it (update firmware).

Edit: Option 2 works pretty well in my experience. When I'm too lazy and tired of running back and forth with memory key for gigs of information, I'll use file send on AIM and forget about it. Go to bed at 1AM and by the time I wake up over 20 gigs have been transfered.

 

You can connect the laptop to the desktop via the ethernet port using a cross-over cable. Then just map a network drive and dump the data over. Another option would be to buy a usb case for the old drive and hook it to your notebook. Case probably costs $25 on the internet.

 

I was also concerned that most laptops are pre-installed with Vista. I was thinking I'd put XP on instead so that would make the transfer easier, right?

 

I wouldn't think it would have any effect.