The short answer is yes if you add a touchscreen or touchpad
With the launch of Windows 8 only 3 to 4 months away, more people are asking if their computer will work with Windows 8.
Microsoft has a website to answer questions on compatible hardware – the Windows 8 Release Preview Compatibility Centre. The site has extensive lists of hardware that has been checked.
Your computer may work better with Windows 8 since Windows 8 is more efficient.
I am working on an older computer now that was taken out of service when it got too slow with Windows Vista. This 2.5 GHz dual core computer with Windows 8 is as fast as my main 8-core 3.83 GHz speed demon on Windows 7.
To take advantage of the touch screen, you will need a touch screen monitor like the Acer T231H. I used two of them now and wouldn’t switch back unless forced.
A touch pad is also important to Windows 8. Laptop touchpads generally work with Windows 8. I tried the Apple Magic TrackPad but didn’t like it. The Logitech Wireless Touchpad is an inexpensive and effective solution for Windows 8.
Check out the Compatibility site to see where your computer is.
Manufacturers will be releasing all new hardware, monitors and touchpads in the months ahead. You should be able to easily upgrade existing computers. I wouldn’t recommend buying a new computer until the dust settles on Windows 8 in the fall.
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Stephen Pate
I just installed a Roland Cakewalk UA-25 USB audio interface and it works in Compatibility Mode. It works up to the 24-bit 96 kHz specification.
To install drivers in Compatibility Mode there are two ways to get there and one procedure.
To find device drivers, in Metro type “drivers” and select “Settings, Update Drivers, Update Device Drivers”. From “Desktop” (the old interface) select “Libraries” and right click on “Computer” then “Properties”
Device Manager – select the installed device that is incompatible or not working, select “Add Legacy Hardware” follow the instructions depending on whether the driver files are on a disk or the computer.
It may take a re-boot to get things working. Good luck.