Some link transfer software packages that work with Microsoft's Windows are: PCsync, IntelliMover, PC Relocator, and PC Upgrade Commander.

In each case, software must be installed on both your old and new computers. The software scans your old computer hard drive, to inventory folders, subfolder, and files and then you select data files that you would like to transfer to your new computer.

It sounds like a fairly simple way to handle your data transfer. However, be aware:

~ Generally, these programs want to move all contents of your old computer to your new computer. That's OK for your data files but moving program files that run your applications may cause problems because older applications may not be supported by your new computer operating system. Transferring a Windows 95-era program to a computer preloaded with Windows XP operating system could be a problem because many of those programs haven't been upgraded to run under Windows XP.

~ When you move full contents of a computer system, everything moves over, including those obscure files that had your old computer running sluggish in its final days.

~ Moving data through a USB cable isn't fast, but it is faster than data transfer through a parallel port.

Choosing a Data Migration Software Package

~ Does software allow you to pick and choose which files are moved, or does it move EVERYTHING -- even junk files?

~ How is data transferred? A wireless network is faster than a USB cable, which is faster than a USB cable, which is faster than a parallel cable. Are you prepared to wait hours or even days for this transfer to take place?

~ If you're using Internet as a holding place for your data, check your connection and upload speeds. It could take hours to move those files.

~ Consider investing in a high-capacity external hard drive, a plug-and-play device that you'll simply connect to your new computer. The drive, though more expensive, will get far more use than one-time migration software. Getting Ready for Your Data Migration

~ Get rid of all of your old files. Fill your recycle bin on your old computer with as much as you can. There's nothing worse than bringing useless data to new computer.

~ Make a software checklist. Is your versions of current program applications compatible with Windows XP? Look on Web for free Windows XP upgrades to new versions of programs you need, such as your Palm desktop software.

~ Does your new computer have preloaded software on it? Chances are good latest Internet browser is already pre-load on your new computer and thus you do not have to transfer older browser version.

~ Make a list of user names and passwords that are stored in files on your old computer and automatically appear when you visit Web sites. They could be lost in move, denying you access on your new computer.

Copyright Steven Presar

The loss or corruption of one small program utility may prevent entire program application from operating properly. The change of one parameter or setting (which easily can happen inadvertently or during installation of another piece of software) is enough to disrupt proper functioning of an application. The best protection against application software failure is:

~ keep original program source (disks, CD-ROMs, saved and backed-up downloaded files) secure off-site (outside of your office) ~ install software from backup copies of originals, and use only authorized and registered copies of software applications (so that original software application vendor is available for technical support, replacement of disks, bugs fixes, and software updates).

Network software is notoriously finicky and requires frequent attention. Someone familiar with network software either on staff or available on short notice is essential to troubleshoot and restore network when it crashes, slows to a crawl or just doesn't act right. In some situations, loss of access to application programs, loss of data, or loss of access to data when network is down can be minimized by backing up or mirroring data on a local hard drive or floppy disk and by having key software such as word processing applications loaded also on local PC hard drives.

Corruption of software by viruses is another growing security risk, which is best handled by carefully designing procedures to limit unauthorized access to systems, by discouraging use of unauthorized software and by using specialized virus protection software. Some offices have systems that automatically bar any new software from being loaded even onto an individual PC on network. Others automatically scan all new software for viruses. Anti-virus software must be updated continually to enable it to identify new viruses that are constantly being created and spread. Automatic update features are available for major anti-virus software programs and should be implemented.

A particular problem is software that is acquired electronically, such as from Internet, whether public domain software or unauthorized copies of programs. Seemingly minor items such as games, utilities, screen savers or macros of unknown origin and provenance may put you at serious risk of contracting a virus. Email attachments are a frequent source of infected code. You need to be attentive to suspect email sent to you. Always pay attention to what you are loading or downloading onto your computer.

Through introduction of a computer viruses, your software programs and if not your entire computer network may be unusable by simple installation of unauthorized software application on your computer system. Make sure your staff understands importance of your policy of banning installation of unauthorized software. Then periodic "sweep" your computers to insure that your staff is helping you protect your computer investment.

These simple steps may result in big dividends to continued operation of your small business.

Copyright Steven Presar