I am not computer literate so please explain in easy to understand terms.

I have an old HP desktop with XP and 512. I bought a new Dell PC with Vistas and 4GB and 500GB hard drive.

They will be sitting next to each other using the same monitor.

The questions I have are:

1. What cables do I need (not wireless), so they will work separatly utilizing the same monitor and how would I switch from one to the other and will it srew up anything?

2. What cables would I need to transfer some programs from the old PC to the new one?
And, will that screw up anything?

3. Are there any inherent difficulties in doing this that I should know.

Thanks.

1. You want to purchase a KVM switch. That stands for Keyboard/Video/Mouse switcher. The one I've installed most frequently is this one:

Iogear - GCS62 - Miniview Micro 2-Port KVM With Built In 6 ft. Cables at TigerDirect.com (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=391900&CatId=597)

... mostly because it's got all the required cables built INTO the KVM. Very convenient and few points of failure.

This device let's you just tap the Scroll-Lock key twice quickly to switch back and forth.


2. You will install the programs again on the new computer with a fresh install using CDs or downloaded installers. The only thing you might transfer from one computer to the other are your data files, things you created WITH those programs.

What programs are you wanting on both?

3. Using a KVM is breezy.