Migration or Clone

[sfphoto]

I have a Mac with 10.12 and plan to get another (which has fresh install of 10.12)

I thought to use Migration Assistant via Firewire (target mode).

I assume all my applications and user data will get transferred.

Is such correct?

 

[CoastalOR]

I have a Mac with 10.12 and plan to get another (which has fresh install of 10.12)
I thought to use Migration Assistant via Firewire (target mode).
I assume all my applications and user data will get transferred.
Is such correct?

You are correct.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204350

 

[sfphoto]

Thanks CostalOR.

In reading the Apple article it was not clear if this can be done if the target has an older OS.

I assume both having the same OS is ideal and not possible if the target has a newer OS.

 

[CoastalOR]

It will work if the target has a newer OS.

There might be some issues if the source has some applications that are older and will not function properly with the newer OS. I have used Migration Assistant successfully transfer settings and applications many times with the source having a older OS and the target having a newer OS. The only problem I have had is with applications like Microsoft Office that has the registration tied to the old Mac's drive and thereby is not registered to the new Macs drive.

 

[Fishrrman]

What I would suggest:
- Use an external drive (USB is fine)
- Create a cloned backup of the old Mac using either CarbonCopyCloner or SuperDuper
- When the new Mac comes, connect the cloned backup and press the power-on button
- Begin setup. When setup assistant asks if you wish to migrate from another Mac or drive, YES, you want to do this
- "Aim" setup assistant at the cloned backup
- Select those items you wish to be migrated.
- Let setup assistant "do its thing".
- You'll eventually be presented with a login screen. Login, and it should "look just like the old one did"...

 

[sfphoto]

Thanks for all the sage advice.

If the new machine has no Firewire port
would a Thenderbolt adapter be fine?

Any possible data problems or reduced speed?

 

[Fishrrman]

OP asked:
"If the new machine has no Firewire port
would a Thenderbolt adapter be fine?"

You DON'T need firewire.
You DON'T need thunderbolt and shouldn't pay the high price for a thunderbolt drive.

A USB3 external drive will do the job, and do it quickly.
If all you have is a USB2 external drive, that will work "well enough". It will "do the same job", but will take longer.

 

[sfphoto]

Thanks to all, much appreciated.