Swapping computers - best way of transferring data

[Oneeyedvic]

I am changing my step son's computer from a desktop running Vista to a laptop running Win 7.

Need to transfer over his iTunes and photos - what is the best way? Is it by putting everything onto a portable harddrive or is there a simpler way - maybe a network crossover cable?

[bazwillrun]

either wireless or with cables (faster transfer speed) to your router if you have one just set up a network and copy across using that.

[VHG]

It is probably a good idea to copy the files to external hard drive anyway as a backup in case anything goes wrong with the data transfer.

Things like photos should always be stored in more than one place in case of problems like a disk crash. Back them up to CD or DVD so you have a permanent backup (AND put them on the external drive - the more backups the better).

I believe there are some web sites which explain how to move your itunes from one computer to another, have a search.

As has been said, if the old computer and the new computer are both using the same router you can set up the PCs so they can "see" each other and so you can copy data straight from one to the other. This is the easiest and quickest way.

[VHG]

Doesw this help with itunes?

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527