Moving to a New computer

By far one of the biggest questions people ask me is how to move from one computer to another. Well this is my quick list of ways to migrate from one system to another. So here is my top 5 ways to migrate that old data to a new computer:

1. Floppy Disk Method - This is the old school way of migrating your system. All you need is a single Floppy disk, and you simply copy one file at a time. Now if the file doesn't fit, you need to find a simple File Splitter program to chop that file into smaller parts, then copy each part one at a time on to your new computer. You only need on disk and about a year of free time.
2. Using Backup - Microsoft has had a backup option since Dos 6.5, and it's usually not a bad Idea to back up your system every once and a while. If you have a few files to back up I would just copy them onto a CD which is actually easier. Backup can keep track of when you update files and make changes, but It's not a very good option if you don't have a tape drive. This isn't a bad option if you use it with Step 5.
3. Copying Data files to CD - Now I personally like this one, Cd's are cheap and it's not bad having all your sensitive records backed up on optical since you never know when that Next big EMP will hit your neighborhood. But this method takes some time, and it really takes some thought in organization, I've often put sensitive data onto a disk, only to loose the disk among the hundreds of other sensitive disks.
4. Remove the Hard Drive - This is a great option if you are buying a new computer with lets say an extra SCSI or IDE space and you don't need the old computer. This is actually highly recommended if you have sensitive personal information on that hard drive. Don't give away your credit card and bank accounts when you donate your computer to the local Good will. This option doesn't work well if you are buying a new computer with a different type of Hard drive, like SATA. The cables for some reason don't fit (that's a joke). Sata is a totally different technology.
5. 1GB Key chain - Now this option will cost you about $45 bucks but now that's not bad. Most data files are smaller than 1 GB, so it will only take you a few Tries and you'll have your system backed up, very similar to the Floppy disk method.
6. USB to USB Data Link Cable - This is a great option and cost about $45 bucks, but it's not a bad thing to have around (like a jack and spare tire for your car). The software does it all, You install the CD in your new computer and into your old computer, and plug the cables in. Start the the 'Data Link' programs and walla! you have a little point to point network for moving files between computers.
7. LAN to LAN Transfer through a hub or router - Now today in the 'Modern Home' we are seeing a growing trend of people actually having more than one computer. Many people are actually networking their houses, so keeping that old computer is a real option. Simply share the drive with your home network, you could essentially keep the data on the old computer and use it on the new computer.

Now, the next big question: What files do I need to move?