Newbie needs help setting up new Imac

[Aktchi]

I just got a new Imac and would appreciate some help. (Last time I bought a new Imac was years ago. Even then I wasn't exactly a mac expert, and have forgotten much of what I learned then.)

1. UNIX

What is the best way to make an up-to-date collection of Unix tools? Is it Apple's Xcode that came with the computer, or Fink, or Gnu, or all of them? (I am not a "developer", just a user of programs like emacs and tex, but might need to compile something now and then.)

2. Old Files transfer

What is the best, most commonsensical way of transferring about 20GB of files from my old Powerbook G4 to current Imac?

I could do it manually with flash drives, but if there is automated way of keeping my old *set-up* intact for each app (permissions, preferences, book marks, history, etc), I would prefer that.

3. Modem

I have a 2Wire modem. My old PB is wired to it, but it also has wireless. My new Imac detected the wireless and I can use the Internet already.

The modem was setup with the PB, so all settings are there. I can use it from Imac but not control from there. Soon I'd like to get rid of the PB, so once again, how do I re-set it to transfer the "control" to the Imac? Is it enough to transfer some files or do I have remember how I set it up and do it all over again?

4. PRINTER

I have a Brother 5250DN laser printer. Can't remember the wisdom on whose drivers to use - Brother, Apple, Gimp?

Thanks!

PS. My purchase of a new Imac is great news for those of you waiting for a refresh/upgrade: It is now likely to come very soon.

 

[miles01110]

1. UNIX

What is the best way to make an up-to-date collection of Unix tools? Is
it Apple's Xcode that came with the computer, or Fink, or Gnu, or all
of them? (I am not a "developer", just a user of programs
like emacs and tex, but might need to compile something now and then.)

emacs is already installed. Installing gnu can be done with the Developer tools on the installation disc. Depending on what you want to do with TeX on OS X requires a bit of fiddling, but is simple enough:

http://ii2.sourceforge.net/tex-index.html

2. Old Files transfer

What is the best, most commonsensical way of transferring about 20GB of
files from my old Powerbook G4 to current Imac?

I could do it manually with flash drives, but if there is automated way of keeping my old *set-up* intact for each app (permissions, preferences, book
marks, history, etc), I would prefer that.

Migration assistant and target disc mode.

No idea about the modem; I don't get why you wouldn't be able to control it from the iMac...

4. PRINTER

I have a Brother 5250DN laser printer. Can't remember the wisdom on
whose drivers to use - Brother, Apple, Gimp?

Brother's if they're available.

 

[Skengman]

2. Old Files transfer

What is the best, most commonsensical way of transferring about 20GB of files from my old Powerbook G4 to current Imac?

I could do it manually with flash drives, but if there is automated way of keeping my old *set-up* intact for each app (permissions, preferences, book marks, history, etc), I would prefer that.

3. Modem

I have a 2Wire modem. My old PB is wired to it, but it also has wireless. My new Imac detected the wireless and I can use the Internet already.

The modem was setup with the PB, so all settings are there. I can use it from Imac but not control from there. Soon I'd like to get rid of the PB, so once again, how do I re-set it to transfer the "control" to the Imac? Is it enough to transfer some files or do I have remember how I set it up and do it all over again?

4. PRINTER

I have a Brother 5250DN laser printer. Can't remember the wisdom on whose drivers to use - Brother, Apple, Gimp?

Thanks!

PS. My purchase of a new Imac is great news for those of you waiting for a refresh/upgrade: It is now likely to come very soon.

Migration assistant should be able to copy your whole user profile from the old mac to the new, so all of this will already be set up as it is now on the Powerbook.


It takes time if you do an entire profile copy though. I did it recently from MB to MBP and with around 100gb it took almost 2 days over firewire, but it was worth it.

Honestly not sure about going from one OS to another though as I did snowleopard to snow leopard, check out apple's support forums, and maybe ask one of the employee's on online chat.