Transferring files between PC and Mac

[killuminati]

I just got my Dad an iMac to replace his old PC. I need to transfer his files over (music, documents, photos etc.).

I was wondering if I would just be able to connect the computers with a firewire cable and drag stuff over. If I can would I need any kind of program? If I can't what's another way to transfer files (other than burning cds)?

 

[James Philp]

I'm not sure if PCs can network over firewire. They will probably work together over a ethernet crossover cable.
Another solution would be an external (internal?) burning one. People rarly have more than a few DVD's worth of info to transfer.

 

[freiheit]

MacOS X (10.3 and 10.4 at least, I can't speak for earlier versions) has built-in Firewire networking (TCP/IP over Firewire). I think Windows before XP did not but XP does have basic TCP/IP over Firewire.

Either way, there is a 3rd party program available for both MacOS X and Windows which will allow full Firewire networking (including shared drives, folders and printers). It's called FireNet and a demo version is available for download at http://www.unibrain.com/home/.

The options are of course a direct ethernet connection (crossover cable not needed -- newer Macs automatically detect if a cable needs to be crossed over or not and will work with even a non-crossover cable -- but crossover cables may still give you some peace of mind anyway), or using a gigabit switch between the systems, etc. MacOS X networks with Windows 2000/XP quite nicely for sharing files.

 

[killuminati]

So basically I can just connect them via ethernet. Then just make sure their networked and then drag files back and forth?

 

[mad jew]

Yep. You've just gotta make sure you have them both enabled for file sharing. It's pretty easy, a pretty good FAQ from edesignuk, bless 'im.

 

[killuminati]

Yep. You've just gotta make sure you have them both enabled for file sharing. It's pretty easy, a pretty good FAQ from edesignuk, bless 'im.

Thanks for that,