What is the best way to back up files if I want to access them with linux running laptop later?

I have an old laptop that will die soon- it is running xp. I want to back up my mp3/photos/word/ppt documents. I may need the applications if my old laptop is still usable, but I really just want to be able to transfer my photos/mp3 etc files to the new laptop running linux. What is the best way to do this? I was thinking portable external HD, but how to do this?What is the best way to back up files if I want to access them with linux running laptop later?
Hello,



Connect your laptops using RJ-45 cable.



On your Linux laptop browse the windows share using the following tip.



Press ALT+F2. On the Run window give smb://%26lt;windows_IP%26gt;/%26lt;share_name%26gt;



Your windows share will be opened. You can simply drag and drop to your linux folderWhat is the best way to back up files if I want to access them with linux running laptop later?
If you can set up a network connection, that would be the best bet - fast, but you need to be able to set it up. USB flash drive would be slow - limited capacity. Copying to DVDs would be nice in that you get a permanent backup as part of the process, but that too is slow and limited capacity would mean lots of DVDs if you have a lot of files to back up.



External harddrive is pretty easy, but I find mine to be slow. But you do have the files backed up as well as part of the process, if you save them. This is probably the most costly option, but easiest, unless you can do the network connection. What is the best way to back up files if I want to access them with linux running laptop later?
If your laptop has a USB port, a memory stick is the easiest option. Simply drag and drop your files on to the memory stick and they should be readable by Linux.
Linux should be able to read the HD. It definitely can if you want to mount the drive manually.