Pen and I had decided a while ago that our Gateway computer we had been using for 3+ years was nearing the end of it’s lifespan. Slowness of the system, which was causing frustration was the main culprit. We had decided that even though we wanted a new computer we would probably wait until the new year, just to get Christmas and everything out of the way.

That was until Cyber Monday came along, and Newegg.com offered a deal I couldn’t refuse. (The going price at the time of writing this article is $799, on Cyber Monday the computer system was offered for $650)

Two days later we had a new computer. This has lead to a week of setting up and trying to work out the new system etc. Finally though it seems we are back on line and running smoothly.

Everyone says that Windows 7 has great driver support. That is true, except for two of the devices we have. Our old Canoscan N1220U and our Intel Webcam didn’t have drivers. A quick search online showed that the last drivers made for both of these devices was for Windows XP. Since a whole operating system has been and gone since then, I guess I can’t complain too much.

The lack of drivers did however, lead us to purchase a new webcam. Really when you have spent $650 for a new computer, what is another $35 for a new webcam?

Now that the setup and extra purchases are done, we can finally get down to just enjoying having a lightening fast system again.