Update questions...

[fifthave]

Being the new guy on the block... I get by with a little help from my friends. I currently have a G3 Blue with 8.6.1 operating system. Do to the recent death of my Epson printer and no printers available for my 8.6 operating system, my resident Mac expert has suggested I upgrade to an iMac Duo Core with all of the bells and whistles. My question is about the newest version of MS Office and Quicken. Will the data from those older programs transfer into the new programs? My Mac expert has suggested we use an external hardrive connected via usb or firewire to transfer all of the data from my old computer to the new computer.

I have been reading on the quicken website forums about all of the trouble users are having transfering date in Quicken 98 for example into the newest version. The quicken support web site says all will work fine but the forums say different. Also the same concerns with my word documents in MS Office.

Looking for any good advice and wisdom. I know I should have upgraded sooner but my two previous experiences have not been good with lost data and software conflict issues both times so am not looking forward to yet another adventure.

Thanks in advance

[MisterMe]

You have a lot of options, only one of which is a new machine. Assuming that you have sufficient RAM and HD capacity, your current machine can run MacOS 9.2.2 or even MacOS X 10.4.

The iMac Dual Core is a wonderful machine. Intel-based Macs are great for those who want the latest and greatest. That is not you. At the same time you buy a new computer, you will also have to buy all new software. None of your MacOS 8 software will work on the Intel-based machine.

If you have the money to make the jump and are willing to take the time, then go ahead. Buy the new computer. Your friend will be only too happy to help you. Just make sure that he understands that it is your computer and not his.

[fifthave]

Mister Me...
Thanks for the quick response. I use my computer for business and I also write books and magazine technical articles (vintage automotive) for a living. I have a web site also which I pay someone to update and maintain. I have updated browsers about as far as I can go now and am getting error messages more often than before, so I am sure it is time to upgrade. I just want the transfer of date to go as smooth as possible and wanted to know of any likely conflicts or defects ahead of time. Does moving all of the data from my current harddrive onto an external, then moving it onto the new iMAc, seem like the best way to accomplish this upgrade? To be honest I am a little worried about the data transfer. All I have read from the software venders say all should go well. I really like the Mac after having to PC's early in my career huge difference for the better....Thanks