Migrating to a new Mac: Any way to just migrate SELECT programs?

[NJRonbo]

Going from a 2009 to a 2013 iMac in about 2-3 weeks.

Obviously, it's good to start fresh on a new machine. However, I have a lot of programs that have a lot of deep-rooted information already attached to them that I don't want to start fresh.

Is there any software or method that when I get a new iMac that I can easily import SOME software with all its settings but ignore others?

Doesn't seem like it offhand, but the experts here would probably know.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Couldn't you just do a restore from back up and delete what you don't want?

 

[NJRonbo]

I am trying to avoid bringing over any crud from a previous desktop setup.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Couldn't you delete the crud from your old machine first?

 

[NJRonbo]

I had always thought it was best to start with a fresh system because restoring from an old brings over leftover deleted files and other junk that may slow down a new machine.

I am just trying to avoid that.

It sounds like I can't have my cake and eat it too. If I want to migrate only particular programs I will have to migrate everything.

 

[Fishrrman]

"It sounds like I can't have my cake and eat it too. If I want to migrate only particular programs I will have to migrate everything."

As useful as Apple's "Migration Assistant" is, this is a shortcoming.

MA should allow the user to either migrate all apps (default choice), or to pick and choose which apps to migrate...

 

[NJRonbo]

My feelings exactly.

Is it really that bad of an idea to migrate on a new computer?

Is there a lot of gunk that can get transferred over that will slow it down?