I am a numpty when it comes to computers. i just do not understand how they work. so long as they are working i can do lots with them.

I will be taking delivery next week of a laptop. at the moment i have a 'normal computer'. i dont have at the moment but will have when i get the laptop a hard drive.

when my laptop comes. i believe i transfer all stuff needed from normal comuter to hard drive then transfer that to laptop, am i correct? once i have done this do i still require the 'normal computer' ....can i just work with the laptop?

is there anything else i need to do/know? thanks in advance!

Once you have transferred the data you want to keep you will not have to keep the PC but I would, you may need to get a or keep the keyboard and mouse for the Laptop for ease of use. Would not just transfer everything but perhaps make sure you need it first and has not been causing any problems, you would be best to load the programmes onto the Laptop from your original disks do not try transferring them.

I am not sure if you can take data from a 32bit system and then upload to a 64bit system but think you can - hope someone will say.

You will first need to install the same software onto the laptop that you have on your desktop (Word, Excel, any specialist breeders´ programmes etc).  Then you can copy all the documents and files you want to keep onto either a USB memory stick or possibly a CD and from there you can copy on to the laptop´s hard drive.  I wouldn´t recommend disposing of the desktop until you are very, very sure you no longer want it even as a backup.

I may have been mistaken but I think the OP is getting an external HD, if so they can I assume copy their files to the external HD and then upload them to the Laptop.

I too would not get rid of the PC, personally I find them so much easier to work with, I have a note book I use if I need to take work with me but I would rather use a PC when at home.

You will first need to install the same software onto the laptop that you have on your desktop (Word, Excel, any specialist breeders´ programmes etc). 

thanks, how do i do this? (told you i was a it nurd!)

Find your original discs and load them into your new Laptop and follow the instructions.

OMG I knew this was going to be too much for me. i dont know if i have the origional disc, it was someone else that set up my desk computer for me. can you buy them?

Yes you can buy them.A student version of Microsoft Office is about £100 (has word,excel and powerpoint but not access databasing or email). Full versions of Microsoft Office are dearer .Might be worth waiting to see what is on your new laptop. It may have Word etc on it already.Sometimes new laptops have Office preloaded but you have to buy a card with an access key (number) on it.

right, thanks i will phone the supplier and find out.

Don't forget antivirus software. A new laptop will probably have a 3 month free trial but you will still need to renew at the end of the 3 months. You don't want to put your new laptop at risk from viruses etc.

seemingly it will come with windows eight as a trial (?) and then option to buy.

Don't forget antivirus software.

thanks Ailsa, do you use a free one as in download? I remember years ago when i first got my computer i paid a rediculous amount for a Norton anti virus, and i got a trojan horse or something similat.. since then i use a download one that comes free. and so far (touch wood) i have been ok.

Microsoft Security Essentials is very good and free :) Google it and download.

Would not be too interested in Windows 8 as that is the OS (operation system) what are you used to using? It will be called Windows (something) could be XP, Vista or 7?

Nova i have xp at moment.

Then you will find the Windows 8 totally different so I would stick with XP or Windows 7 as you are not particularly computer confident.

Ok thatss the Laptop arrived and out the box. i have put in the battery to charge. how long should this take? 12/24 hrs? not very good intructions in booklet.

LOL tadog, I'm not good at Laptops, they are all different though and the first charge could take about 3 hours but if in doubt, read the instructions.

PS, nothing to stop you using it still plugged in, if fact, most of the time that is the best way.

ok, i am getting there but slowly. it is asking me for my microsoft password. how do i find out what it is. ?

> it is asking me for my microsoft password. how do i find out what it is

What are you trying to do ?? Are you installing software because the password is often on the DVD/CD case.

It could be the administrator password because this LT is on Windows 8 - make up a PW and write it down then type it in and then do not, ever, loose it.

it was asking me to set up an account..... anyway i have gotten over that hurdle. i even got on facebook. but when you go on to the diff  XL then windows 8 you need to re log in and stuff. i managed to do it with facebook but not champdogs. problem with the pass word.  also i tried to transfer something via the external hard drive and could not for the life of me work out how to get on the lap top. i thought it would just pop up? how do i do that? sorry guys, i am such a nurd when it comes to these things. i will leave it for tonight and try again tomorrow.

still stuggling! will my facebook/champdogs password be diff on my laptop  & my computer?

> will my facebook/champdogs password be diff on my laptop  & my computer

No !

thanks.

I have eventurally managed to get someone to come and help transfer stuff from desktop to laptop and hoefully give help on other issues. that may not be for a couple of weeks though. meantime. why, when i am desktop i can access c dogs, yet on laptop i get asked to log in again? then go back on desk top and am in there no problems?

Because you have asked your PC to remember your log in details and keep you logged it and so far you have not done so on the Laptop.

Nova I tried to log in to c d site on laptop using the user name and password that i use on desk top and it said user name was wrong!

> I tried to log in to c d site on laptop using the user name and password that i use on desk top and it said user name was wrong

Then you have input it wrong :) It doesn't matter where you log into CD (or FB etc), the username/password won't change unless you change them on CD - it's nothing to do with the PC/laptop/mobile etc

Tadog - that will be something known as Operator Error!! :-)

well my user name i presume it tadog? and i have put in the correct passwords. so i dont know..

Why not ask for a change of password then you should be fine but you will have to use it on the PC and the LT

i did change the password thats how i know i have it correct. strange

Well, there must be something wrong somewhere and it will not be anything to do with your computers. Why not change it again - do it on the PC go to your account and change the password to something simple - then log on from the Laptop once  you are on there you can again log onto your account and change it to something more secure.