New iMac, easiest way to transfer data from old iMac to new one

Not a lot of steps. When you first power up your new Mac, it will start the Startup Assistant. One of the steps will be if you want to migrate any data from an older Mac. If you missed this step, or elected to not do it at that time, you can then use the Migration Assistant app to transfer the data.

Ref:

• Setup Assistant and Migration Assistant - Apple Community
• Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant - Apple Support
• Welcome to iMac Essentials - Apple Support

Gilbert,

As others have recommended, get an external drive for your current Mac. (Get a drive that's at least twice the size of either your current Mac, or the one you intend to purchase). Then format the drive using Disk Utility...then back up to it via Time Machine. You can then use this external drive to connect to your new Mac and use Migration Assistant to move everything onto it.

(The rule of thumb regarding Time Machine backups is: Would you be OK if your Mac's hard drive suddenly failed? Are there documents on it you can't afford to lose forever? Too many users only set up a backup drive AFTER their Mac's drive has failed, and at that point it's too late).

The Time Machine method is far easier and more reliable. If you not have a Time Machine backup of the old computer please make one, you can use it on the new Mac. If you need an External Hard Disk to make a Time Machine backup call macsales.com and ask for a Mercury Elite Pro .

MigrationAssistant & a Time Machine drive if you have it.

Actually on 1st boot of the new Mac Setup Asistant will run, slightly beter than MA.

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