5 Ways to Check for Computer Hardware Compatibility

1. HCL - Hardware Compatibility List

2. Windows Compatibility Center

3. Manufacturers Website

4. Search Forums

5. Search Reviews and Articles

(Contents are expanded below.)

1. HCL - Hardware Compatibility List

An HCL is a database of the several thousands of hardware which can be used with any given operating system. Most HCL are digitally signed by the OS Company in order to assure that their company (for instance, Linux) allowed the use of a particular hardware from a manufacturer (e.g. NVidia)

An HCL is customarily available through the OS website, hence that it is their responsibility to tell you which hardware will work with their software.

Note: An Operating System is also a Software

2. Windows Compatibility Center

If you are using Windows, there is an easier interface that I can share with you. Windows has several versions of their operating system, dating from back in the day to the freshly released Windows Seven.

Microsoft's website makes it accessible for you to easily browse their HCL without all the needs to manually look for your device. Windows Compatibility Center is basically a search box, where you define a field whether you are looking for hardware compatibility or software compatibility and type in the name of the product, and then hit search.

As easy as that.

3. Manufacturers Website

Reversing the HCL concept, where devices are listed under the OS, the manufacturers website may or may not have a list of their own, giving you the information you need about which operating systems their devices will work on.

Note: In order for your hardware to work, you will need an installation of a device driver which you freely download on the manufacturer's website. At times these are also included with the OS pack.

4. Search Forums

Another effective way of searching for hardware compatibility is to search computer forums, especially OS forums (like windows 7, XP, forums whatnot).

You can post your own questions if you are too lazy to look it up yourself. The drawback however is you will wait days to get unclear replies, like "please tell us your computer specs, and the hardware you want to install."

It's more efficient if you search on threads that are already resolved, and then post questions only as needed. Some forums will need you to register in order to access their threads, (it's a hassle, but that's how it works).

5. Search Reviews and Articles

If you go to Google and type in hardware compatibility for your particular hardware, you will find answers in format of one of the five given above. This last one (I believe) will give you the best detailed explanation, and answers, but you will need to be more patient and comprehensive when searching keywords.