Before diving into processing, confirm your camera's raw file formats are supported by your chosen software. Popular formats include .fit, .cr2, .nef, and .arw.
Check that your mount’s drivers and metadata outputs (like ASCOM or INDI) are compatible with your software to enable features like plate solving and guiding.
Also, verify your computer meets the hardware requirements—CPU, RAM, and GPU—to handle demanding processing tasks smoothly.
Tip: Test trial versions and consult user forums to ensure a smooth setup before committing.