07-11-2010, 01:08 AM

Hello,

I currently have a Macbook Pro with all the apps I want, including Boot Camp and Windows 7. I plan to get an iMac soon and I would like the two computers to be identical (all the same software, files, etc.). I've been searching forums and Google, but can't seem to find a definitive answer on whether or not this is possible. Can I simply plug in my iMac to my external HDD and restore using the migration assistant? If not, how would I go about doing this? Thanks.

07-11-2010, 01:21 AM

Unless you have multi-user licenses for your operating systems & applications you want to install on both computers...your first hurdle is purchasing 2 copies of all apps & OS's (not cheap)!

Of course duplicating copies of your personal files & photos is no problem.

Hope this helps,

- Nick

07-11-2010, 02:21 AM

Also bear in mind that some software licenses allow you to install on both a desktop and portable on the understanding the 2 are not used by different users to run 2 copies of the software.

Adobe for instance lets you do this.

You an use migration assistant or time machine to copy the set-up from one to another

07-11-2010, 03:45 AM

Originally Posted by louishen

Alos bear in mind that some software licenses allow you to install on both a desktop and portable on the understanding the 2 are not used by different users to run 2 copies of the software.

Great detail to add "louishen"! I forgot to mention that in my earlier post! The trick is (for someone with a lot of potential applications) is knowing exactly which companies allow this, and which ones don't.

And like you said...the "fine print" of that detail...is that the two computers (the laptop & the desktop) are not supposed to be used at the same time by two different users.

- Nick