I need to get files off of my damaged Macbook and I'm not sure how to do it. Is there a way to transfer files from my macbook to another computer? The damage is to the screen of my macbook and it is severe- you can only see the top left of screen, the rest is cracked/blacked out. Is there anything I can do?
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Is there a way to transfer files from a mac-book to another computer?
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I would connect an external monitor and then try to backup all the files using time machine. And then when you get your computer replaced, you can simply restore from a time machine backup and your computer will be exactly like it was before. 
You can also connect it to another mac using Target Disk mode.
Alternatively, you may be able to connect it to another computer via a cross-over Ethernet cable (if going to a PC) and access the files that way (depends on your file permissions and file sharing settings).
Yet another way would be to take the HDD out of the Macbook, put it in an external enclosure and then read it either on another Mac, or a PC after adding something to allow the Windows machine to read HFS+ formatted drives (http://hem.bredband.net/catacombae/index2.html allows reading but not writing so that may be enough for your needs).
Alternatively, you may be able to connect it to another computer via a cross-over Ethernet cable (if going to a PC) and access the files that way (depends on your file permissions and file sharing settings).
Yet another way would be to take the HDD out of the Macbook, put it in an external enclosure and then read it either on another Mac, or a PC after adding something to allow the Windows machine to read HFS+ formatted drives (http://hem.bredband.net/catacombae/index2.html allows reading but not writing so that may be enough for your needs).
I would connect an external monitor and then try to backup all the files using time machine. And then when you get your computer replaced, you can simply restore from a time machine backup and your computer will be exactly like it was before.
Good idea, you could also put the external monitor on it boot it up and use the migration assistant
Your options include:
1. Attach your MacBook to an external monitor or display. Your MacBook has a mini-DVI port; so you'll need to get an adapter to connect it. There are several types of monitor connections out there, so you'd need to get the adapter that fits the type of connection the monitor would use. This option is essentially turning your laptop into a desktop computer.
2. Connect your MacBook to another Mac using a 6-to-6 pin Firewire cable. Hold down the letter "T" on your MacBook while booting it up. Your hard drive's icon will appear on the Mac you connected your MacBook to.
3. Take the hard drive out of the MacBook, and plug it into an external hard drive enclosure. This will turn your hard drive into an external drive, which you can then open on other computers.
Personally, I'd go for option #1, as this means you'll be able to still use your computer (although as a desktop, not a laptop). But if you're really in a pinch and need your files soon, I'd go for option #2.
1. Attach your MacBook to an external monitor or display. Your MacBook has a mini-DVI port; so you'll need to get an adapter to connect it. There are several types of monitor connections out there, so you'd need to get the adapter that fits the type of connection the monitor would use. This option is essentially turning your laptop into a desktop computer.
2. Connect your MacBook to another Mac using a 6-to-6 pin Firewire cable. Hold down the letter "T" on your MacBook while booting it up. Your hard drive's icon will appear on the Mac you connected your MacBook to.
3. Take the hard drive out of the MacBook, and plug it into an external hard drive enclosure. This will turn your hard drive into an external drive, which you can then open on other computers.
Personally, I'd go for option #1, as this means you'll be able to still use your computer (although as a desktop, not a laptop). But if you're really in a pinch and need your files soon, I'd go for option #2.