Question Transfer

[abletudu]

Sometime in the future I plan on buying a new computer. How would I go about transferring my programs and files to the the new computer from my old one?

 

[USAFRet]

Sometime in the future I plan on buying a new computer. How would I go about transferring my programs and files to the the new computer from my old one?

Generally, you don't.

Your personal files, sure.
Copy them to some other device first...flash drive, external HDD, cloud.

Your applications?
New install in the new OS, in the new system.

 

[kanewolf]

Sometime in the future I plan on buying a new computer. How would I go about transferring my programs and files to the the new computer from my old one?

You have to have the installation files for programs. Data files and game files from stream can be copied.
Additionally, you should already have a backup process that protects your data. Critical data should follow the 3-2-1 rule. Three copies on at least 2 physical devices with one being off-site to protect against fire, flood, theft, etc.

 

[abletudu]

Can't I connect the two computers together and copy and paste things like my documents, contacts, etc from the old computer to the new one?

 

[USAFRet]

Can't I connect the two computers together and copy and paste things like my documents, contacts, etc from the old computer to the new one?

Yes, you could.
And if you knew all the ins and outs of doing that, you wouldn't be asking "can I".

But it is MUCH MUCH easier and safer to copy to some other location, then copy to the new system.

As mentioned above, this guarantees a second copy.

We've seen many occurrences of a major fail trying to do what you wish.

 

[abletudu]

I read somewhere that you can upload to the "Cloud" and then download again. What the heck is this "Cloud"? To the best of my knowledge data has to be stored on some kind of a drive or server not floating around in some imaginary "Cloud".

 

[Lafong]

To the best of my knowledge data has to be stored on some kind of a drive or server not floating around in some imaginary "Cloud".

You are correct.

Cloud is a euphemism. Not sure who chose it. Probably a marketing department trying desperately to remain relevant.

 

[abletudu]

So what is the cloud then?

 

[USAFRet]

So what is the cloud then?

A generic term for systems, servers, and services 'out there'.
Something not in your direct control.

OneDrive is one example of 'the cloud'.