Here is our tutorial on how to install DNN on Windows 7:
http://www.dnncreative.com/Tutorial...fault.aspx There are no major differences if you have Windows 8.
What you will need is Microsoft SQL Server (or Express) and IIS. You should be able to find information on installing those with a little Googling. If your version of WIndows 8 doesn't include IIS, look for IIS 8 Express.