Transferring files from an old Mac to a new one?

[stanw]

I want to copy only data files from an old iMac to a brand new iMac. In the past, I think I would just plug in my TimeMachine drive and selectively copy the folder from the drive to the new Mac.

1.) Is this the best way to do this? I don't want to copy over system files or anything that may have slowed down the old Mac onto the new one.

2.) What is the best way to format the SSD on the old iMac to make sure data is realistically not retrievable? I'm not concerned with paranoia level formatting just realistic wiping. In the past I would securely wipe my hard drives with the highest level of security, though I know that is no longer available for SSD.

Thanks.

 

[CoastalOR]

2.) What is the best way to format the SSD on the old iMac to make sure data is realistically not retrievable? I'm not concerned with paranoia level formatting just realistic wiping. In the past I would securely wipe my hard drives with the highest level of security, though I know that is no longer available for SSD.

Here is what Apple has to say about protecting data on a SSD.

 

[Fishrrman]

You can use Migration Assistant to "selectively copy" -ONLY- your data from a backup drive to the new Mac.

You might want to bring over your old account(s) that way, as well.
This depends on "how far along" the new iMac has been set up.
Have you already created new accounts on it?

Insofar as wiping the drive on the old iMac is concerned -- if it has a platter-based hard drive in it (not an SSD), just re-initialize it with Disk Utility and use the "1-pass" secure erase option.
That will over-write all the sectors on the drive, and leave it "secured enough" to prevent just about anyone without advanced equipment from getting to it...