The easiest way to check out compatibility issues is to run Windows 8 setup. You can download the , create a DVD (or install it to a USB flash memory key) and run Setup, making sure to answer 'yes' when the setup program asks you to download the latest version of setup. Note that you don't have to install Windows 8; the nice thing about the installation routine is that it first performs a compatibility check.

In , the reported problem with the networking hardware spells trouble. I would definitely want to have a Windows 8 driver on hand before proceeding.

You need a new graphics card. Or the 19-inch, 1280-by-1024-pixel LCD panel you've been using for years is finally starting to fade. Or you're contemplating buying something as simple as a new mouse.

If you need to upgrade any piece of hardware, take time to research what will work best with Windows 8. Even if you don't plan on upgrading immediately, new hardware tends to offer better features, performance, or both. Let's look at a couple of examples.