OT: Got a new computer, need some advise..., file transfer with router or cable, ext hard drive Options

[neo914-6]

Just got a Dell Inspiron 530S with Duo Core processor.

Spoke to Dell Tech Support and they say I can transfer XP files from my old computer to Vista with a wireless router. What should I shop for, there's alot of routers? Are they priced for speed limits and what should I get at a minimum? Can you do it with a cable?

I also have files from a PC with Win98 that I'd like to transfer. I'm told this isn't possible to Vista with a router. I've burned some CD's but it's a really slow process. It won't recognise my thumb drive.

They say I should also get a external hard drive to store files and keep less on the computer (better performance) and to avoid losing data in a crash or corruption. I have a 220GB internal drive, how much should I keep "free"?

Page loading seem slow, I expected much faster speed. I currently have 2GB and can expand another 1GB so Dell TS sold me a 512MB memory upgrade. Is page loading limited by ISP or memory? My ISP (SBC) has a faster DSL upgrade.

[3d914]

I agree. You don't need a router just to connect two PC's.
Also, IIRC didn't XP include a file transfer tool via cable? I've been out of it for a while, but there are certainly more options available than building a full network just to transfer files.

If your other PC didn't recognize USB thumb drive, it may simply need the correct Service Pack 2 upgrades. I don't think you even need the whole SP2.

HArd drive performance is important, but getting an external drive isn't the solution. As with most things it really depends on how you intend to use the PC. I recently put together a PC with my son for him to use at college. Original design called for fastest everything - until he saw the price tag. Then we started looking at real needs - and ended up with a very nice machine. It really helps to know what you want to use it for.

Good luck.

[Gustl]

Also, IIRC didn't XP include a file transfer tool via cable?

I remember Win 98 had this function, but you needed a special LPT crosslink cable - wich was really slow (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)
this cable was provided for example with the pcAnywhere Host+Remote package, version 9.2 (IIRC)

I don't know if this feature was implemented in later OS versions (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/bye1.gif) Gustl