XP to imac migration

I ran the windows migration assistant from my old lap top and transferred everything to my new imac and it said it has completed successfully. I was hoping to open itunes and find all my files in there but no such luck : (
Does anyone know how I bring the information in?
Currently I have three ipods, two ipads, 2 iphones over three different computers itunes accounts each set up on a different laptop for the different family members and I really dont want to loose everything.
Ideally I was hoping to run the migration assistant in each user's own mac account (sign in thing on the imac) and get each itunes thing set up.
Please can someone help with the best (& easiest) way to do this?
I tried home sharing too but im not sure that is what I need as once I have got the files onto the imac the laptops can be made redundant.
Any advice most appreciated.
Kellarooni

Hi Pondini
Thanks so much for your response, as you said it was all there and working perfectly. What an amazing program!
One windows PC extinct, Two to go! : )
Thank you once again
Kelli

Similar Messages

Imac migration stalls

What do you do when imac migration stalls? The migration has been stuck in the same position for 20 hours.

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities
If the computer or the external drive from where you are transferring your data is connected with a cable, disconnect and connect the cable. If not, your only option is to turn off the computer to where you are transferring the files, and start migration again

Cannot send nor receive email on new iMac; migrated settings from MacBook

I just recently bought a new aluminum iMac. I migrated files & settings, including Mail settings from my MacBook to the iMac. Despite the copied settings, I cannot send nor receive messages on the new iMac. I have always been able to send & receive e-mail on my MacBook, so I would think the same settings should work on the iMac.
I have tried Connection Doctor, and I am getting successful connections on both the POP Account and SMTP server.
I have compared settings between the MacBook & iMac, and they are the same. My MacBook uses Tiger and doesn't have the option of default & custom ports. It is set to port 25. I have tried custom ports of 25 & 587 on the new iMac as well as the default port option. None of those seem to work.
Is there something else that could be wrong or anything else I can try? Thanks ahead of time for any assistance.

This might work:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2537

New iMac, migrated from macbook and now mail won't work. Tried re-installing operating system, still doesn't work. Can anyone help me to get mail working? thanks

I just bought a new iMac and I thought that it would be simple to migrate from my MacBook.
I have a time machine back-up so I decided to migrate using that. Everything seemed to instal pretty well with the exception of mail. To begin with I had 2 mail icons, then I started to read some forums and checked that i had the one I wanted in the applications folder, deleted the other and then downloaded the new operating system. Mail had to be force quit first and even when the download was complete Mail still wouldn't open or run. The only thing I can do is compose a new message, but I can't see my inbox at all.
It's really frustrating and I would love to know in a simple step by step guide how to get mail up and running with my existing migrated emails in it.
If anyone can give me some advice that would be great.
thanks in advance.
H

Problems such as yours are sometimes caused by files that should belong to you but are locked or have wrong permissions. This procedure will check for such files. It makes no changes and therefore will not, in itself, solve your problem.
First, empty the Trash.
Triple-click the line below to select it, then copy the selected text to the Clipboard (command-C):
find ~ $TMPDIR.. $ -flags +sappnd,schg,uappnd,uchg -o ! -user $UID -o ! -perm -600 -o -acl $ 2> /dev/null | wc -l
Launch the Terminal application in any of the following ways:
☞ Enter the first few letters of its name into a Spotlight search. Select it in the results (it should be at the top.)
☞ In the Finder, select Go ▹ Utilities from the menu bar, or press the key combination shift-command-U. The application is in the folder that opens.
☞ Open LaunchPad. Click Utilities, then Terminal in the icon grid.
Paste into the Terminal window (command-V). The command may take a noticeable amount of time to run. Wait for a new line ending in a dollar sign (“$”) to appear.
The output of this command, on a line directly below what you entered, will be a number such as "41." Please post it in a reply.

Macbook Pro to iMac Migration Not Starting

I want to migrate my users, apps, settings, etc from a macbook pro to a new iMac. The process fails to start. I've tried 1) machines joined by ethernet cable (no switch) and 2) Time Machine.
The machine configurations:
Source: MBPro quad core OSx 10.6.8. Upgraded to latest software update.
Destination: iMac i7 running whatever version of OSx they are sold with at Apple Stores. Purchased yesterday.
Ethernet Method:
I turned on the iMac and after answering a few basic (e.g. language questions), I was presented with a Migration dialog. I didn't have a proper firewire cable lying around so I selected the ethernet option and connected the MBPro and the iMac with this cable. The iMac displayed a passcode and said to start Migration Assistant on the source, i.e. MBPro. I started MA on the MBPro and typed in the numeric passcode. The iMac recognized the MBPro and displayed my migration options (e.g. accounts, applications, etc). The transfer button was grayed out while an estimate of the disk space needed was computed. After several minutes of the "preparing my computer" notice on the MBPro, the MBPro said it was ready. The "Transfer" button in the iMac was active.
Clicking on this "Transfer" button appears to have NO effect on either machine.
I let the machines sit for several hours. Still no noticeable change on either machine.
The transfer process does not appear to have started.
Time Machine Method:
Same experience except not the TM drive is connected to the iMac with a Firewire 400 connection.
What is going on?

Connect the two computers via Firewire cable. Boot the MBP into Target Disk Mode - Transferring files between two computers using FireWire. Boot the iMac normally. The MBP's hard drive should appear on the iMac's Desktop. You can migrate from it as you would from a disk drive. Also, see:
A Basic Guide for Migrating to Intel-Macs
The Knowledgebase article Intel-based Mac: Some migrated applications may need to be updated refers to methods of dealing with migrating from PowerPC chips to Intel with the Migration Assistant safely. The authors of this tip have not had a chance to verify this works in all instances, or that it avoids the 10.6.1 and earlier Guest Account bug that caused account information to get deleted upon use of the Migration/Setup Assistant. However, a well backed up source that includes at least two backups of all the data that are not connected to your machine will help you avoid potential issues, should they arise. In event it does not work, follow the steps below.
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, G4, or G5 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, TechTool Pro , SuperDuper , and Drive Genius work properly on Intel-Macs with Leopard. The same caution may apply to the many "maintenance" utilities that have not yet been converted to universal binaries. Leopard Cache Cleaner, Onyx, TinkerTool System, and Cocktail are now compatible with Leopard.
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
Transferring data with Setup Assistant - Migration Assistant FAQ
Because Migration Assistant isn't the ideal way to migrate from PowerPC to Intel Macs, using Target Disk Mode, copying the critical contents to CD and DVD, an external hard drive, or networking will work better when moving from PowerPC to Intel Macs. The initial section below discusses Target Disk Mode. It is then followed by a section which discusses networking with Macs that lack Firewire.
If both computers support the use of Firewire then you can use the following instructions:
1. Repair the hard drive and permissions using Disk Utility.
2. Backup your data. This is vitally important in case you make a mistake or there's some other problem.
3. Connect a Firewire cable between your old Mac and your new Intel Mac.
4. Startup your old Mac in Transferring files between two computers using FireWire.
5. Startup your new Mac for the first time, go through the setup and registration screens, but do NOT migrate data over. Get to your desktop on the new Mac without migrating any new data over.
If you are not able to use a Firewire connection (for example you have a Late 2008 MacBook that only supports USB:)
1. Set up a local home network: Creating a small Ethernet Network.
2. If you have a MacBook Air or Late 2008 MacBook see the following:
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) and MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)- What to do if migration is unsuccessful;
MacBook Air- Migration Tips and Tricks;
MacBook Air- Remote Disc, Migration, or Remote Install Mac OS X and wireless 802.11n networks.
Copy the following items from your old Mac to the new Mac:
In your /Home/ folder: Documents, Movies, Music, Pictures, and Sites folders.
In your /Home/Library/ folder:
/Home/Library/Application Support/AddressBook (copy the whole folder) /Home/Library/Application Support/iCal (copy the whole folder)
Also in /Home/Library/Application Support (copy whatever else you need including folders for any third-party applications)
/Home/Library/Keychains (copy the whole folder) /Home/Library/Mail (copy the whole folder) /Home/Library/Preferences/ (copy the whole folder) /Home /Library/Calendars (copy the whole folder) /Home /Library/iTunes (copy the whole folder) /Home /Library/Safari (copy the whole folder)
If you want cookies:
/Home/Library/Cookies/Cookies.plist /Home/Library/Application Support/WebFoundation/HTTPCookies.plist
For Entourage users:
Entourage is in /Home/Documents/Microsoft User Data Also in /Home/Library/Preferences/Microsoft.
Credit goes to Macjack for this information.
If you need to transfer data for other applications please ask the vendor or ask in the Discussions where specific applications store their data.
5. Once you have transferred what you need restart the new Mac and test to make sure the contents are there for each of the applications.
Written by Kappy with additional contributions from a brody.Revised 5/21/2011

G4 iMac migrates to Intel Core Duo

I just migrated the contents of my 17” G4 iMac to a 20” Core Duo. The only piece of software that wouldn’t run on the new Mac was Nikon Capture 4.4.1; upon launching, it told me that it was missing necessary files. I reloaded the software from my original 4.0 discs. This time the error message said to click to go to PACE and run the installer, which I did. The installer claimed to run successfully, but NC4 still claimed to be missing files. At this point I went to the NikonUSA website and downloaded the NC4.2 updater. After running this and rebooting, NC4 ran just fine. I finally updated it back to V4.4.1, which also works properly.
Rosetta notwithstanding, compared to running NC4 on the G4, it’s much faster. Opening a D200 RAW file on the Core Duo is about as fast as opening a D2h file on the G4--not instantaneous, but reasonable at around 7 seconds. Same goes for edit files.
With 2 gigs of RAM on the Core Duo, NC doesn’t suck up all the memory, as it did on the 1 gig G4. No “page outs” when working on several RAW files at a time. This is much better performance than I had been expecting from it.
PSE3 work reasonably well, too. Faster than on the G4, at least.
While I was trying to get NC4 to work again, I did play around with iPhoto6. It seems very fast and has some interesting features, so I’ll probably start using it too.
All the included iLife6 programs seem to work well, and much faster than on the G4.
I had no problems with any peripherals except a very old USB CameraMate Compact Flash card reader, for which the OS X driver appears to no longer function. A no-name card reader I got for free from OMax works fine, though. So does my Epson 1650 flatbed ( I use PSE3 to access it), a QPS external firewire drive and an Epson 1270 printer. No problems with Wi-Fi or ethernet,either. When I plugged the ethernet cable fron the Core Duo into my Airport Extreme base, the computer automatically switched its settings from Airport to ethernet--neat!
This is the seventh Mac I’ve owned and the easiest migration so far. The improvements in performance and in the quality of the display greatly exceed my expectations.
Danny W.
20" iMac Intel Core Duo Mac OS X (10.4.6)

I just migrated the contents of my 17” G4 iMac to a 20” Core Duo. The only piece of software that wouldn’t run on the new Mac was Nikon Capture 4.4.1; upon launching, it told me that it was missing necessary files. I reloaded the software from my original 4.0 discs. This time the error message said to click to go to PACE and run the installer, which I did. The installer claimed to run successfully, but NC4 still claimed to be missing files. At this point I went to the NikonUSA website and downloaded the NC4.2 updater. After running this and rebooting, NC4 ran just fine. I finally updated it back to V4.4.1, which also works properly.
Rosetta notwithstanding, compared to running NC4 on the G4, it’s much faster. Opening a D200 RAW file on the Core Duo is about as fast as opening a D2h file on the G4--not instantaneous, but reasonable at around 7 seconds. Same goes for edit files.
With 2 gigs of RAM on the Core Duo, NC doesn’t suck up all the memory, as it did on the 1 gig G4. No “page outs” when working on several RAW files at a time. This is much better performance than I had been expecting from it.
PSE3 work reasonably well, too. Faster than on the G4, at least.
While I was trying to get NC4 to work again, I did play around with iPhoto6. It seems very fast and has some interesting features, so I’ll probably start using it too.
All the included iLife6 programs seem to work well, and much faster than on the G4.
I had no problems with any peripherals except a very old USB CameraMate Compact Flash card reader, for which the OS X driver appears to no longer function. A no-name card reader I got for free from OMax works fine, though. So does my Epson 1650 flatbed ( I use PSE3 to access it), a QPS external firewire drive and an Epson 1270 printer. No problems with Wi-Fi or ethernet,either. When I plugged the ethernet cable fron the Core Duo into my Airport Extreme base, the computer automatically switched its settings from Airport to ethernet--neat!
This is the seventh Mac I’ve owned and the easiest migration so far. The improvements in performance and in the quality of the display greatly exceed my expectations.
Danny W.
20" iMac Intel Core Duo Mac OS X (10.4.6)

IMac Migration w/ iPhoto problems

I apologize if my question is redundant as I am fairly new to Mac. A while back I bought a Intel iMac 20" Core Duo. I have not had too much time to play with it but have used it for basic functions, ie Office, Internet, iTunes, and some games. I recently bought a new 24"iMac. I needed another computer in the house. Without knowing much I went ahead and did the migration. I had some photos on my old iMac as well as the other programs and data. Everything came over fine, but now I am having some problems. I have thousands and thousands of photos and have began inporting them. As I have been playing in iPhoto when i do any work for a lenght of time it locks up my computer. It occurs most when I am editing. I am now worried that I have migrated things I should not have and perhaps should have just got the computer working and then slowly improted the items I needed. My question is: is migration the way to go, should I save what I have and then reformat the drive and start over with a fresh new iMac, or just start working on the computer as I want to and work through the issues as they arrive. I am still at the starting gate in terms of what I need to do so I don't want to get too far into everything to only then decide I need to start over. One thing what worried me was that iDVD '06 migrated as well and now wonder if my iLife 08 is a good clean copy or if it got messed up with the migration process. I hope all this makes sense. I have been a windows user until now and just don't understand all the Mac does or how it installs, records etc. Did iLife 06 come over to my new maching with iLife 08? What other problems can I expect? What about setting I had, will they all work as tehy have been migrated to the new machine? Like I mentioned before if I get a cleaner copy of my new machine I I am ok to clear it out and start over. If that make little difference in the long run, then I can go a different direction. I just can't afford to lose data, or time as I want to make sure everything works. Having to compleatly shut my computer off to get it too work again after working in iPhoto scares me. Thanks again for your time. Please give me some ideas or what you all think is best.

Holy Cow, out of curiosity I just checked out my current versions of iPhoto...and on my older (albeit updated with iLife awhile ago) mac mini is iPhoto '11 version 9.2.1 (628)...and on my new iMac the iPhoto version is 9.1.5 (615). Is this an earlier version? Or just one for the iMac?
How would this be possible in that my brand new iMac running lion (and presumably the most up-to-date software) would have an older version of iPhoto than my mac mini which had the iLife upgrade probably around a year ago. It seems disconcerting that my older mac mini would have a newer verion of iPhoto than my brand new iMac.
Even worse, I tried to update the software by clicking the apple logo upper left corner and select "software update". It said, "Your software is up to date. Software Update doesn’t have any new software for your computer at this time."
What the heck is going on here? and I presume the "version issue" is why I'm getting the error code mentioned above.

New Imac Migrated from MacBook - TimeMachine will not Work

I used the setup assistant and migrated my macbook over to a new IMac.   Everything A-Ok except Adobe (of course!) and Time Machine.
I started a backup and it ran for over 24 hours. Seems to just hang. The back up is "In Progress".
I tried to delete it to start fresh but Time Machine simply locks up.
For the record I use Setup Assistant on the Migration. Running current lion, I updated after migration. I failed to mention that ITunes is not working, checking discussion board for that now.
Please Help!
Thanks

Sounds like you've got more than one problem.
If the backup won't cancel, see #D6 in Time Machine - Troubleshooting.
What are you backing-up to (directly-connected external HD, Time Capsule, or what)?
How much free space is on it?
A clue may be lurking in your logs. Use the widget in #A1 of Time Machine - Troubleshooting to display the backup messages from your logs. Locate the backup in question, then copy and post all the messages here.

Bought a new iMac migrated from a time machine backup and it didn't load contacts music etc

my 4 year old imac died. So we got a new 1Tb intercore i5 imac. Migrated from the time machine backup and it didnt populate itunes or contacts or photos. Am I missing something?

You should have imported the data in Setup Assistant when you first booted the new machine. If you used Migration Assistant instead, you now have another user with all the data from the old machine.

Imac migration user duplicate

used migration assistant from an older imac intel snowleopard to an imac intel2011 os x mountain lion. I now have 2 users with the same name, how do you identify the older one imported to the new one? thank you

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities
If the computer or the external drive from where you are transferring your data is connected with a cable, disconnect and connect the cable. If not, your only option is to turn off the computer to where you are transferring the files, and start migration again

IMac migration & VirtualPC

Hi
I migrated all my files from G5 and don't want to use Virtual PC. But the problem is that when I boot up, I get the error message "Insecure startup item disabled /library/startupitems/virtualpcosservices has not been started because not having proper security settings."
When I try to find this file, it does not exist on my Intel iMac. I don't even have the folder it mentions.
Folder Startup is empty.... login startup items does not display this.
How do I clear this error?
Thanks!

Virtual PC (Microsoft's product) does not run under Snow Leopard as far as I know. Rosetta will run your PowerPC Mac programs and Boot Camp or Parallels or VMWare Fusion will run your Windows apps. Hope I have not misread your posts.
Although some people apparently are using the automated migration from a PowerPC machine, I have concerns about that approach. For your information, when I migrated from PowerPCs and Leopard this week to the new iMac and Snow Leopard, I did a re-install of Snow Leopard from the Install DVDs and included Rosetta (it's not in the default install, you have to customize the install to include it or install later). Be sure and run "Software Update" a few times to get the latest system software. Also installed the latest Flash from Adobe and set Safari to run in 32 bit mode instead of the default 64 bit mode - this is required for Shockwave Flash according to Adobe.
Then I manually copied all data from the PowerPCs and installed all my productivity software from their install disks; some software needed updates (free) for Snow Leopard. All running flawlessly including Microsoft Office 2004 which runs with Rosetta. Plan to upgrade that to Office 2010 (or whatever it will be called) when released next year with VBA support included once again.

HT4889 Mac to iMac migration.

Macbook Pro to iMac data migration suspends wehen there is 20 minutes remaining. I have both computers set to nevcer sleep and using ethernet cable for data transer. Does anyone know what could be wrong?

Hi there, when you switched from the wifi to wired (ethernet) transfer option, did you somehow abort the wifi transfer and start from scratch, or just plug in and see a change in speed? Im currently 3 painful days into a never-ending wifi transfer, and have just plugged in ethernet cable to both imacs, but am seeing no change in estimated remaining transfer time. I assume I need to somehow cancel this existing transfer and start over but dont want to then have to deal with finding and deleting half-transferred or corrupted files on my new mac. Any advice is much appreciated!

(1) iMac-iMac Migration and Renaming; (2)Apple Account deletion

(1) I've just installed a new iMac to which I assigned a new and unique name during Setup. Then, I migrated my data from my old iMac to the new one using the Migration Assistant. Both computers run under the latest verion of Mavericks.
What I've found is that after the Migration the new iMac is named the same as the old one. I've sold the old one and want to take it off my Apple Account, but I'm not sure which one I'll be deleting.
Can I assign the new name to the new iMac? If yes, is that done through System Preferences --> Users and Groups? Can I just delete the name of the old iMac (which was not password protected) under the Administrator user and type in the new name?
(2) Once I have the new iMac named it's new unique name, how do I delete the old one from my Apple Account?
Thanks in advance, everyone.

If both accounts have their itunes library point to the same library in the Shared user account, then both can access all the stuff that's in the library, and each will have their own address book, calendars, etc. The tricky part, though, is that you should use the same itunes account ID for both so that each of you can download tunes, etc., as well as only have to buy apps once. If you buy an app in your account, it won't automatically show up in hers, but if she tries to buy it, as long as she's using the same itunes apple account, she'll get a message something like "you've already purchased this app; do you want to download it again?". Answering yes will then download it for free.
The other wrinkle is that if you buy a tune, say, it'll show up in your library but not in hers because her library file doesn't know it was purchased. I do this with my kids accounts -- they're all using the same itunes ID, and they each buy different tunes. Periodically I go to each of their accounts and tell itunes to "Add to Library" and point to the entire iTunes library in the Shared users account, and each of their itunes libraries then populates with all the tunes bought by any of them. I do this about once a month. I'm sure I could just write an automator or applescript thing to handle it, but it only takes a minute. The advantage, of course, is that we're all using the same library, and everyone gets the tunes and apps that any of us buys.

IMac Migration Tip...Keep it simple!

I just picked up a new 27" iMac......
So I I had to migrate from my old 21" iMac.....
I read everything and ordered a Apple Firewire to Thunderbold adapter.....
Great, huh?
Forget it.....
I endeded spending over $100 chasing down cables....
No good....
In the end my wife comes in and looks over my shoulder....
Honey what's a ehernet cable?
Duh!...
Used THAT and got the job done....
Keep it simple !

Keeping it simple is always a good idea when it comes to computers or troubleshooting but the Thunderbolt to FireWire adaptor should have worked to allow you to boot the old Mac into target disk mode.
If it didn't it could indicate a problem with the Thunderbolt port on the new iMac or with the adaptor. You should get those looked at as soon as possible.
Apple has a no questions asked 14 day return policy. If the port on the iMac has a problem, you should exchange the system.
good luck
regards

PC to iMac - Migration Assistant set up another user

Dear Mac Users!
Set up my 21.5" iMac last night, set up a new user "Rory" - then downloaded Migration Assistant on my PC to transfer files, music, pics, docs and my iMac has created "Rory1" since I've discovered I should've transfered docs across BEFORE I set up an initial user!
The only thing I'd set up on my original "Rory" mac account was downloading Flash Player and installing my email to 'Mail' - so I've hardly done a lot of configs.
Can I just delete the original "Rory" profile and use the "Rory1" profile that the Mac set up? ( I realise the Mac has done this because my old Windows PC user name was obviously called "Rory" as well).
Or, is it easier to try and get the files (transfered from the PC under 'Rory1') to the original Mac profile of "Rory".
It's only 12 hours since I first went to set the my Mac up so as I said, I'm hardly in that much of a pickle yet - am I?!
Thanks to anyone who replies! Really appreciate your help!
I've joined the Mac revolution!
- Rory
Ascot, UK

Copying folder by folder is fine. Your photos as well as iTunes music and movies are best copied by choosing "Import to Library" and "Add to Library" from their respective File menus, since those programs like to keep their content organized in mysterious ways.
The "guest" account is normal in Lion. There are good reasons for having it but it can be disabled if you desire.
... any other "Top John" housekeeping tips? Or anything handy worth knowing to prevent myself getting in a future pickle?
Oh, many. If you are new to Macs start here: http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/
It may seem remedial to you but it is a good place to start.
There are few absolutes but in no particular order,
Don't bring any preconceived ideas that may be rooted in Windows PCs to the Mac. The Mac is a different world and it is only getting more so.
Aside from periodically running Software Update, the Mac needs no maintenance. Macs are designed to be neglected.
All hard disks fail eventually, which means a backup plan is desirable. Buy an external hard disk drive and plug it in. Time Machine will ask you if you want to use it as a backup disk. You do. Time Machine does the rest so you can continue to neglect your Mac.
Installing software is like inviting someone into your home. A lot of trouble can be avoided by not opening the door just because the bell rings. Trouble comes in the form of "toolbars", "scanners", "optimizers", "cleaners" and similar ilk that often accompanies websites in the form of popup windows or other in-your-face techniques, mostly Flash advertisements. Remember that nothing enters a Mac unless you invite it in by providing your password. Before you grant access to something know what it is, what it does, and how to get rid of it if it starts making a mess. There are no viruses known to infect OS X but malware exists.
As for uninvited intruders, the Mac is very secure. You do not need any anti-virus utilities. OS X is the descendant of a decades old multiuser, multitasking operating system that was designed from its very beginning to keep users protected from malicious interference. Some AV tools are benign, many are harmful, but all are superfluous. Some Windows AV products published by well-known and respected companies fail miserably on the Mac: see point number one. OS X already includes all the virus protection it requires. I recommend nothing more.
Don't panic if something goes wrong. Search here for help but don't necessarily believe everything you read. Knowledgeable participants are usually literate.
Beware of phishing scams. They are getting better all the time. It doesn't matter what computer you're using, nothing can stop you from willingly providing your name, password, Apple ID, mother's maiden name and social security number in order to inherit a fortune left in your name by a deceased Nigerian prince.
Then go about enjoying life without Windows. You'll wonder how you managed to cope all those years.

XP to imac migration

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