14 DAY TRIAL // Automatic and streamlined transfer of data, settings, files and programs is an integer part of delivering a top end user experience associated with the migration process from an older version of an operating system to the latest release of the platform. And of course this scenario is intimately connected not only with an operating system upgrade, but also with moving from an old computer to a new machine. Now, despite the fact that the title reads Mac-to-Mac migration vs. XP-to-Vista migration, the fact of the matter is that I will not be getting into what Apple has in store for its users. Let's just call the Mac-to-Mac migration process as close to perfection as it can get, and something that Microsoft has yet to achieve.
Yes, Windows Vista is not even close to the migration standard Apple brings to the table with Mac OS X. But just how far is it? Well, in order to understand this you have to know that upgrading from a Mac computer to another will effectively mirror all the contents from the old machine. Vista does not do that. Sure, Microsoft did pour a lot of effort into ensuring the highest possible level of user migration between Windows XP SP2 and Windows Vista, but it still feels like a half-done job.
In this context, I am of course referring to the Windows Easy Transfer utility. "Windows Easy Transfer enables you to automatically copy your files, photos, music, e-mail, settings, and more to your new Windows Vista-based PC. This makes it much easier to setup your new computer with all your personal data and settings. This software provides support for transferring data with Easy Transfer Cables or across a network, external drive, or CD/DVD. As an alternative to downloading, Windows Easy Transfer can be installed from the CD that came with your Easy Transfer Cable, or by following the directions in the Windows Vista version of Windows Easy Transfer on how to copy the program to Windows XP," Microsoft informed in the product's description.
Well, for once, Windows Easy Transfer is pretty much limited to Windows XP. Sure, it can be used between Windows 2000 and Vista, but only for files. However, from XP to Vista it will move User accounts, all folders and files you want, program settings, Internet settings and favorites, and email settings, contacts and messages. But how about programs? Well, Windows Easy Transfer doesn't do programs. All your installed applications will remain in place, unlike on the Mac migration. Still, it's not like Microsoft is not trying. But for migrating XP programs to Vista you will have to use the Windows Easy Transfer Companion.
Now, the worst part of Windows Easy Transfer Companion is the fact that, six months after Windows Vista was made available for the general consumers, the product is still in beta stage, with the last refresh introduced in June. In the past month, Windows Easy Transfer Companion has gone nowhere fast, not to mention the fact that the tool is limited to just over 100 programs. Maybe Microsoft will change this with Windows Vista SP1...