New Computer: Finally decided to get a new Mac. Do any of you computer expert know if I will lose all my programs if I migrate from my old Mac to a new one? I know the data files will...

Thombar Loc: Hominy, OK

Finally decided to get a new Mac. Do any of you computer expert know if I will lose all my programs if I migrate from my old Mac to a new one? I know the data files will migrate but what about the actual program software like Lightroom and Photoshop, etc? Most of my programs are downloaded from the internet and I don't have the disk for them.

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

Computer guy here. I do mostly Windows and Android, others in my practice do all things Apple, but it would seem to me if you have the downloaded .DMG file for each program, you should be able to copy it and install on the new computer if you can't migrate the programs. On the Windows side, Adobe allows up to 2 computers for each of their software packages, you have to "deauthorize" your old machine before installing on the new one. Hope this general info helps. I'm sure the Mac fans will jump in shortly.

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

Thombar wrote:

Finally decided to get a new Mac. Do any of you computer expert know if I will lose all my programs if I migrate from my old Mac to a new one? I know the data files will migrate but what about the actual program software like Lightroom and Photoshop, etc? Most of my programs are downloaded from the internet and I don't have the disk for them.

I assume that you have an Adobe ID. If you do all you have to do is log on to your Adobe account de authorize your old computer and download the programs to your new one. depending on how old your old one was you may have to pay for the upgraded program.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Thombar wrote:

Finally decided to get a new Mac. Do any of you computer expert know if I will lose all my programs if I migrate from my old Mac to a new one? I know the data files will migrate but what about the actual program software like Lightroom and Photoshop, etc? Most of my programs are downloaded from the internet and I don't have the disk for them.

Migration is thorough and complete. If you encounter any problems you can always call Apple.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Apple has excellent tech support and customer service. I highly recommend an Apple Care policy. You should;t have any trouble migrating.

Thombar wrote:

Finally decided to get a new Mac. Do any of you computer expert know if I will lose all my programs if I migrate from my old Mac to a new one? I know the data files will migrate but what about the actual program software like Lightroom and Photoshop, etc? Most of my programs are downloaded from the internet and I don't have the disk for them.

Cameoblue Loc: British Columbia Canada

Just call Apple Support they will talk you through it. They were voted best service company for a reason. With any new Mac the call will be free as they give customers 90 days free telephone support. Apple Care will extend that and the warranty to two years from the date of purchase, which I consider a good deal. If they can not resolve any issues you have they will get you to somebody who can.

Curl Loc: Toronto, Canada

I have restored to a new Mac using a time machine backup a few times and the only problem I experienced was with my Microsoft Office programs whereby they required that the license be re-entered.

If, at the same time, you upgrade operating systems (e.g. move to Yosemite) you may find some incompatibilities with you current software.

Alfresco

If you're getting the Mac at an Apple store, bring in you pc and they'll walk you through, they are very patient. You'll walk out with a smile!

John Howard Loc: SW Florida and Blue Ridge Mountains of NC.

Be careful. My understanding is that new Macs will come with or upgrade to OS10 Yosemite. Even some of the Apple papplications like Pages and Numbers will need to be upgraded. You can do it but it all will take more fiddling around than you expect. Suggest you take your current specs for computer and software to the Apple Store and have them tell you what can migrate and what must be upgraded. They are real friendly before you buy. After you will need to buy a service or jv contract. Good luck.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Curl wrote:

I have restored to a new Mac using a time machine backup a few times and the only problem I experienced was with my Microsoft Office programs whereby they required that the license be re-entered.

If, at the same time, you upgrade operating systems (e.g. move to Yosemite) you may find some incompatibilities with you current software.

The only Mac problem had to do with Microsoft. Surprise, surprise! :D

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

I am in the process of going from Windows to and iMac. I purchased an Apple 27" iMac with Retina 5K Display and am moving from applications from a Dell desktop Windows 7 to Yosemite. I am having a lot of problems when trying to re-install programs on Yosemite which is still buggy and some of the software will not install on Yosemite, I also could not install my ColorMunki on Yosemite. Not all photo processing software will install on this operating system so check before going with a new machine loaded with Yosemite. I purchased Parallels to be able to keep PPS 7 and Zoner, but it looks like I might need to install other applications on it as well.

Thombar wrote:

Finally decided to get a new Mac. Do any of you computer expert know if I will lose all my programs if I migrate from my old Mac to a new one? I know the data files will migrate but what about the actual program software like Lightroom and Photoshop, etc? Most of my programs are downloaded from the internet and I don't have the disk for them.

McQ6 Loc: Florida

Do not try to migrate Adobe software. I did with PS and Lightroom and ended up 1.5 hours on phone with Adobe tech deleting all pertinent software and reinstalling.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

Thombar wrote:

Finally decided to get a new Mac. Do any of you computer expert know if I will lose all my programs if I migrate from my old Mac to a new one? I know the data files will migrate but what about the actual program software like Lightroom and Photoshop, etc? Most of my programs are downloaded from the internet and I don't have the disk for them.

As long as you are using a Mac with Os X, you can migrate the entire hard drive as long as the new machine has a HD as large or larger than the original.

Are you looking at the new iMac with the 3 TB combo drive and the 5K monitor? If not, look at it seriously, if it is in your price range. It outperforms my 2008 MacPro with 8 cores.

Be sure to pack it with memory! As much as you can afford.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

Brucej67 wrote:

I am in the process of going from Windows to and i... (show quote)

Color Munki is a known problem. I have been told that a fix is in the offing.

I am having no problems with LR 5 CC or PS CC on Yosemite!

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I have also upgraded my MacBook to the Yosemite OS and have almost no issues, but I do not run PS on it, just LR. This os is making me much less crazy than my PC with W7 has been lately. I am thinking about abandoning W for a new iMac as well. And this is from a dyed-in-the-wool pc guy!