Merging Files (Accounts?) Across Two Computers

For the past 6ish years, my mom has used both an iMac G4 and iBook G4. Both are running 10.4.11. She has accounts on both computers with similar folder structures (i.e. Documents folder is organized the same way). However, although many the files within her folders are similar, some vary (i.e. The laptop might have a newer version of one file and another file might exist on the iMac but not the iBook). She is trying to collapse these two similar accounts down to just one account on the iBook.
Simply put, what is the best way to merge the two accounts onto the iBook so that the newest files are preserved but files are not deleted if they don't exist on the iMac?
I was thinking about trying to use migration assistant (but I don't have any experience with it and don't know if it can accomplish this). I am also wondering if it would work to use some sort of backup software to "backup" the iMac onto the iBook account but I'm afraid I'd run into problems with permissions.
Bonus question: Is there a way to merge the iPhoto libraries? I imagine this needs to be done separately from the general merge - she is just worried about losing photos and the computers have different pictures in their iPhoto libraries.
Message was edited by: Jake1016

Hi Jake, and a warm welcome to the forums!
I was thinking about trying to use migration assistant (but I don't have any experience with it and don't know if it can accomplish this).
MA will copy everything, but to a new Account if the name is the same.
Is there a way to merge the iPhoto libraries?
For that one I'd use Import on one from iPhoto's File Menu.
For Mail I'd also use Imprt.
For Address Book, Select all or the ones not on the other one, Eport/Save as vCard, Import that vCard on the other one.
However, although many the files within her folders are similar, some vary (i.e. The laptop might have a newer version of one file and another file might exist on the iMac but not the iBook).
I use Tri-Backup...
http://www.tri-edre.com/english/index.html
Which has Synchronization as one of it's many options for just such a purpose, it can do it both ways or one way or the other way.

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