When migrating my files between two Macs, can I use a standard ethernet cable or do I need to use a crossover cable? I would rather connect my macs together rather than to a hub on my network for this.
iMac (27-inch Mid 2011), OS X Mountain Lion
Standard Ethernet. But it is just as easy to do the migration via your local network since both computers are connected to your router or hub.
Why not use a firewire cable?
Is one faster than the other?
I'm sure that firewire is fast but I only have a 400 cable, not the newer 800 cable needed for my Macs, and I'm not sure it is worth buying one just for this purpose.
No. Ethernet is Ethernet. But using Firewire 800, if you can, would be faster and more reliable than Ethernet. You will need a standard Firewire 800 cable to use, and you will need to boot the Source computer into Target Disk Mode.
In that case stick to the Ethernet. Connect the computer you will migrate from. Open the Sharing preference pane, turn on File Sharing. Then select that computer's hard drive. Press COMMAND-I to open the Get Info window. Check the Shared folder box in the top panel.
MIgrating files using eethernet cables
