Is your trusty PC starting to feel a bit sluggish? Does it take forever to boot up, or struggle with everyday tasks? Before you throw in the towel and start Browse for a brand-new machine, consider this: many older computers are just a few strategic upgrades away from feeling brand new again.
At AS Computer Solutions here in Onoway, we see it all the time. People assume their aging PC is ready for the scrap heap when, in reality, a few targeted improvements can drastically boost performance and extend its lifespan for years. You don’t always need to break the bank for a top-tier system when a few key components can transform your current setup.
So, if you’re looking to get more out of your existing computer without buying a whole new one, here are three upgrades that truly change everything.
✅ Upgrade 1: Install a Solid State Drive (SSD)
If there’s one upgrade that delivers the most dramatic improvement for your money, it’s replacing your old Hard Disk Drive (HDD) with a Solid State Drive (SSD). This single change can make your computer feel lightning fast, even if it’s several years old.
What’s the Difference?
HDDs (traditional hard drives) use spinning platters and read/write heads to access data. This mechanical process is inherently slower.
SSDs use flash memory, similar to a USB drive or a smartphone. They have no moving parts, making them incredibly fast, quiet, and more durable.
Why It Changes Everything:
Blazing Fast Boot Times: Your computer will start up in seconds, not minutes.
Snappy Application Loading: Programs will open almost instantly.
Faster File Transfers: Copying and moving large files becomes a breeze.
Improved Responsiveness: Overall system performance will feel much smoother and more responsive.
How to Do It:
Replacing an HDD with an SSD involves transferring your operating system and files to the new drive. This can be done by cloning your existing drive or by performing a clean installation of your operating system on the new SSD. For most users, a 250GB to 500GB SSD is a good starting point, but larger capacities are available if you store a lot of data.
✅ Upgrade 2: Max Out Your RAM (Random Access Memory)
Think of RAM as your computer’s short-term memory. The more RAM you have, the more tasks your computer can handle simultaneously without slowing down. If you often find your computer struggling when you have multiple browser tabs open, are editing photos, or running several applications at once, more RAM is likely the solution.
Why It Changes Everything:
Smoother Multitasking: Switch between applications effortlessly.
Faster Application Performance: Programs that use a lot of memory (like video editors or graphics software) will run much better.
Reduced Lag: Your computer will be less prone to freezing or becoming unresponsive during intensive use.
Better Browse Experience: Web pages, especially those with rich media, will load and scroll more smoothly.
How to Do It:
First, determine the maximum amount of RAM your motherboard supports and the type of RAM (e.g., DDR3, DDR4) it requires. You can usually find this information in your computer’s manual or by using a system information tool.
We generally recommend:
8GB RAM: Good for basic use, web Browse, and office applications.
16GB RAM: Ideal for most users, including light gaming, photo editing, and more serious multitasking.
32GB+ RAM: For power users, professional content creators, and serious gamers.
Adding RAM is one of the easiest and most cost-effective hardware upgrades you can do. Just make sure the new RAM modules are compatible with your existing setup.
✅ Upgrade 3: Upgrade Your Graphics Card (GPU)
While not essential for every user, upgrading your Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) can dramatically improve your computer’s performance for tasks involving visuals. This is especially true for gamers, video editors, graphic designers, and anyone who works with 3D applications.
Why It Changes Everything:
Smoother Gaming: Play modern games at higher frame rates and better visual quality.
Faster Video Rendering: Edit and export videos in a fraction of the time.
Improved 3D Performance: Work with CAD software, 3D modeling, and other graphically intensive applications more efficiently.
Better Display Options: Support for higher resolution monitors and multiple displays.
How to Do It:
This upgrade requires a bit more consideration than RAM or an SSD, as you need to ensure compatibility with your motherboard (PCIe slot), power supply unit (PSU), and case size.
When choosing a new GPU, consider:
Your Budget: Graphics cards range widely in price.
Your Usage: Are you a casual gamer, a competitive e-sports player, or a professional video editor?
Your Power Supply: Ensure your PSU can provide enough wattage for the new card.
Physical Space: Make sure the card will fit inside your computer case.
Mouse or Keyboard Not Working? Try These Quick Fixes Before Calling for Help
Few things are more frustrating than a suddenly unresponsive mouse or keyboard—especially when you’re right in the middle of something important. Whether you’re replying to emails, working on a spreadsheet, or just Browse, losing control of your input devices can grind your entire workflow to a halt.
At AS Computer Solutions here in Onoway, we get calls about this issue all the time. The good news? You might not need a new mouse or keyboard—or even a service call. Most of the time, the fix is quick and simple. So before you panic or start shopping for replacements, try these easy steps first.
✅ Step 1: Rule Out the Basics
Let’s start with the obvious (but often overlooked):
🔄 Reboot Your Computer
It sounds cliché, but a quick restart often clears up temporary bugs or software glitches affecting input devices.
🔌 Check the Connections
For Wired Devices:
Unplug and reconnect the USB cable.
Try a different USB port—especially one directly on the back of your desktop or laptop.
For Wireless Devices:
USB Receiver (Dongle): Make sure it’s securely plugged in. Try another port if needed.
Power Switch: Double-check that it’s turned ON.
Batteries: Swap in fresh batteries—even if the old ones were “just replaced.”
Re-pairing (Bluetooth): You may need to re-sync the device to your computer. Refer to the manual for instructions.
🛠️ Step 2: Targeted Troubleshooting
Depending on what’s acting up, here’s what to do next:
📌 Scenario 1: Only the Mouse or Keyboard Isn’t Working
When one device works but the other doesn’t, it’s likely a fault with the device itself or its connection.
Try This:
Test the device on another computer.
If it works there, your original system may have a driver or port issue.
If it doesn’t, the device might be faulty.
For Windows Users:
Press Windows + X, select Device Manager.
Expand Keyboards or Mice and other pointing devices.
Look for any ⚠️ yellow exclamation marks or ❌ red Xs.
Right-click the affected device and select:
Update driver
Or Uninstall device → then reboot to reinstall it automatically.
For Bluetooth Devices:
Windows: Settings > Bluetooth & Devices → Make sure Bluetooth is on. Remove and re-pair the device.
macOS: System Settings > Bluetooth → Remove and re-add the device.
⚠️ Scenario 2: Neither Mouse nor Keyboard Is Working
This can be tricky since you can’t easily navigate menus.
Try This:
Unplug everything except power and monitor. Restart the system.
Then plug in just the mouse or keyboard one at a time.
Test multiple USB ports—front and back. Try both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 if available.
Boot into Safe Mode:
On Windows: Hold Shift during restart, or tap F8 repeatedly during boot (older systems).
On Mac: Hold Shift immediately after powering on.
If things work in Safe Mode, a software or driver conflict is likely.
Inspect cables, connectors, and ports for physical damage.
🔄 Scenario 3: Mouse Works, Keyboard Doesn’t (or Vice Versa)
This often indicates a driver issue or hardware failure in the non-working device.
Follow the steps under “Check Device Manager” and test the faulty device on another computer to isolate the issue.
🧰 Still No Luck? Bring It to the Pros
If none of the above fixes do the trick, don’t stress—AS Computer Solutions is here to help.
We can:
Run advanced diagnostics to identify system or driver conflicts
Repair or replace damaged ports or input devices
Check for underlying issues like malware or system corruption
Recommend reliable replacement options that suit your needs
🏡 Local. Reliable. Ready to Help.
Serving Onoway and surrounding communities, AS Computer Solutions is your go-to for friendly, affordable tech support.
Don’t let input issues slow you down. Try the steps above first, and if you’re still stuck, give us a shout. We’ll get your mouse, keyboard—and your productivity—back on track.
Call or visit us today:
📞 (780) 967 0215
📍 Onoway, Alberta
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