What is the best method of transferring FreeHand 8 docs. from my Mac OS9
computer to my new Mac Leopard? If I buy a router and connect the two computers
would there be a way for the Leopard to read the OS9 and switch the documents
over. Or, do I need to burn them and transfer that way? And then, once they are
in my new Mac will FreeHand MX read them? I think I can figure this out, but
I'm being lazy, hoping someone out there knows the answer and might save me a
little time. Thanks! Katouse

1. If you read up on Mac OS Help on how to get files from your old computer to
your new one, you'll probably find the procedure for networking your two
computers by running a simple Ethernet or Firewire (?) cable directly between
your two computers, and following the steps for file sharing (allow file
sharing, introduce the two computers to each other, etc.). Leave the network up
until you're happy you've transferred all the files you need, plus a week.
That would be cheaper than a router (though if you're looking to set up a
network and keep both computers running, sharing internet, printers, etc. then
don't let me talk you out of getting a router).

2. Sneakernet with a flash drive or removeable hard drive is my other
recommendation as it's lazier than messing with file sharing and routers. Flash
drive is cheapest, hard drive is 5 to 10X more expensive (though cheap on a per
GB cost) and you can use to back up your files (save early and often, as they
say). Plug it into the old computer, load your stuff, eject the drive, carry
it over to the new computer, plug it in, load your stuff. Repeat as needed.

3. Once you have your files loaded, if you double click on the files they'll
either open in FreeHand MX or they won't. Files with a .FH8 extension will
probably cue it to open. Add that extension to legit FreeHand 8 files, tell the
Mac you're sure you want to do that, then double click on the files or drag and
drop the file icons onto the FreeHand icon, and they should work.

If you get the "Sorry, the application that created this file cannot be found"
there's a procedure in Mac OS to tell it which applications in which to open
files with unknkown file extensions. The same dialogue box that tells you may
direct you to the right place, or you'll have to search Mac help. Sorry I don't
remember the exact procedure.

For instance, I have gotten lazy about .fh7, .fh8, .fh9, and wanted a simple
three-character extension for .fh10 files so I trained my Mac to open .f10
files in FreeHand 10. Another friend uses .fhd and I had to change the file
extension on my end to .fh8 or whatever it was before either Freehand 10 or MX
would open her files.