I am trying to install Windows 8 fresh from a Windows 7 installation. ONLY on the first screen do I experience graphical glitches such as the mouse leaving an odd trail and lines going down the screen partly, which would point to a failing graphics card. The card itself works fine under Windows 7 and Ubuntu.

Follow these steps before you Upgrade to Windows 8 or 8.1.

Check to see if your Computer/Laptop Manufacturer has Windows 8 Drivers available for your Model.

If not available, Windows 8/8.1 will not install and work correctly for you.

There is a lot of information in this first Microsoft link:

Download and run the Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant to see if your machine is Windows 8.1 compatible and read the Update to Windows 8.1: FAQs there :

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-to-windows-8

"Windows 8.1 system requirements"

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/system-requirements