Buying new Macbook, Selling iBook - What to do about files?

Question

Hi all, I heard there is a program where I can transfer all my files from my iBook to other laptops..is this true? If so, what is needed in terms of hardware/software?
Also, since I am selling my old one, do I need to wipe out the harddrive? How would I do that?
If there's any other tips you guys can give me concerning what to do when buying/selling a laptop please advise!
Thanks in Advance,
Pat

Answer 1

You can transfer certain files and folders using Migration Assistant, but because you are moving from a PPC Mac to an Intel Mac this is not the best solution. Instead you should only move your personal data files. You'll find most of the movable items here:
Here is a list of where your important data is stored ("~" stands for "Home"):
Your Data in Documents:
~/Library/Application Support/AddressBook (copy the whole folder)
~/Library/Application Support/iCal (copy the whole folder)
Also in ~ / Library/ Application Support (copy whatever else you need)
~/Library/Keychains (copy the whole folder)
~/Library/Mail (copy the whole folder)
~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.mail.plist * This is a very important file which contains all email account settings and general mail preferences.
~ / Library/iTunes (copy the whole folder)
~ / Library/Safari (copy the whole folder)
~/ Pictures/iPhoto Library
If you want cookies:
~/Library/Cookies/Cookies.plist
~/Library/Application Support/WebFoundation/HTTPCookies.plist
For Entourage users:
Entourage is in Documents/Microsoft User Data
Also in ~ /Library/ Preferences/Microsoft
Also, read this: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25575
Here are some additional articles:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.4/en/mh1642.html
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25773
You can transfer between computers by connecting the two computers with a Firewire cable and using Target Disk Mode.
You would be advised to zero out your old drive before sale if you have sensitive data on it you prefer not be accessible. Here's how:
Extended Hard Drive Preparation
1. Boot from your OS X Installer Disk. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. Then select Disk Utility from the Installer menu (Utilities menu for Tiger.)
2. Select the startup volume and click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.
3. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled, if supported.) Click on the Options button, check the button for Zero Data and click on OK to return to the Erase window.
4. Click on the Erase button. The format process will take 30 minutes to an hour or more depending upon the drive size.
5. When formatting has completed quit DU and return to the installer. Now install a fresh copy of OS X.
After completing the installation of OS X do not restart the computer. Merely shut it down. The next owner will then be presented with the startup assistant when they first power up the computer. It will be as if the computer were new.
Here are some other migration concerns:
A Basic Guide for Migrating to Intel-Macs
If you are migrating a PowerPC system (G3, G4, or G5) to an Intel-Mac be careful what you migrate. Keep in mind that some items that may get transferred will not work on Intel machines and may end up causing your computer's operating system to malfunction.
Rosetta supports "software that runs on the PowerPC G3 or G4 processor that are built for Mac OS X". This excludes the items that are not universal binaries or simply will not work in Rosetta:
Classic Environment, and subsequently any Mac OS 9 or earlier applications
Screensavers written for the PowerPC
System Preference add-ons
All Unsanity Haxies
Browser and other plug-ins
Contextual Menu Items
Applications which specifically require the PowerPC G5
Kernel extensions
Java applications with JNI (PowerPC) libraries
See also What Can Be Translated by Rosetta.
In addition to the above you could also have problems with migrated cache files and/or cache files containing code that is incompatible.
If you migrate a user folder that contains any of these items, you may find that your Intel-Mac is malfunctioning. It would be wise to take care when migrating your systems from a PowerPC platform to an Intel-Mac platform to assure that you do not migrate these incompatible items.
If you have problems with applications not working, then completely uninstall said application and reinstall it from scratch. Take great care with Java applications and Java-based Peer-to-Peer applications. Many Java apps will not work on Intel-Macs as they are currently compiled. As of this time Limewire, Cabos, and Acquisition are available as universal binaries. Do not install browser plug-ins such as Flash or Shockwave from downloaded installers unless they are universal binaries. The version of OS X installed on your Intel-Mac comes with special compatible versions of Flash and Shockwave plug-ins for use with your browser.
The same problem will exist for any hardware drivers such as mouse software unless the drivers have been compiled as universal binaries. For third-party mice the current choices are USB Overdrive or SteerMouse. Contact the developer or manufacturer of your third-party mouse software to find out when a universal binary version will be available.
Also be careful with some backup utilities and third-party disk repair utilities. Disk Warrior (does not work), TechTool Pro (pre-4.5.1 versions do not work), SuperDuper (newest release works), and Drive Genius (untested) may not work properly on Intel-Macs. The same caution may apply to the many "maintenance" utilities that have not yet been converted to universal binaries.
Before migrating or installing software on your Intel-Mac check MacFixit's Rosetta Compatibility Index.
Additional links that will be helpful to new Intel-Mac users:
Intel In Macs
Apple Guide to Universal Applications
MacInTouch List of Compatible Universal Binaries
MacInTouch List of Rosetta Compatible Applications
MacUpdate List of Intel-Compatible Software
Written by Kappy with additional contributions from a brody.
Why reward points?(Quoted from Discussions Terms of Use.)
The reward system helps to increase community participation. When a community member gives you (or another member) a reward for providing helpful advice or a solution to their question, your accumulated points will increase your status level within the community.
Members may reward you with 5 points if they deem that your reply is helpful and 10 points if you post a solution to their issue. Likewise, when you mark a reply as Helpful or Solved in your own created topic, you will be awarding the respondent with the same point values.