So you've decided to upgrade to Apple's brand-new Mac OS X. Well, consider yourself an early adopter--one of the first brave souls to try a new technology.

OS X is touted as the future of the Macintosh, and it has a lot to offer, including better compatibility with Windows files, a sleek design, more stability, and greater networking capabilities. Nonetheless, this cutting-edge OS promises plenty of pitfalls to boot, from its seriously huge system requirements to what some consider a steep learning curve.

Is your Mac ready for such a drastic change? Are you? To minimize installation and compatibility glitches, give your hardware, peripherals, and software a preparedness once-over. Follow CNET's easy-to-use guides to prepare your Mac for the first truly new Macintosh operating system since System 1.

Prepare your hardware
Is your Mac ready for OS X, or is the new OS completely off-limits for your old beast? Get the minimum requirements here.

Prepare your software
Will your apps still run under Mac OS X? CNET has the answers.

How do I get my hardware in tip-top shape for OS X?