Antivirus Comparison
Bitdefender - Best for overall security.
Norton - Strong malware protection with a built-in VPN.
McAfee - Ideal for multi-device security.
Windows Defender - Free and built-in for Windows users.
Kaspersky - Provides advanced cybersecurity features.
IT Security Best Practices Guide
Use a Strong Password - protect user accounts from breaches
Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) - enhance security for all logins
Secure Wi-Fi & Network Devices - change router default credentials
Avoid Phishing Attacks - Do not click on suspicious links or attachments
Keep Antivirus & Firewalls Enabled - ensure real-time protection is active
Keep your O/S (operating system) up to date - install the latest security patches and system updates
Regularly Backup Critical Data - use cloud or external backups
[Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule]
Monitor for Suspicious Activity - track unusual logins or network behavior
Residential IT Optimization Guide
Use Strong Wi-Fi Security - set up WPA3 encryption and a strong password
Keep Your Devices Updated - enable automatic updates for all devices
Backup Important Data - use cloud or external storage for data redundancy
Limit IoT Device Access - create a separate Wi-Fi network for smart devices
Enable Parental Controls - use built-in security settings for family protection
The 3-2-1 Backup Rule – Because "Oops" is Not a Backup Strategy
The 3-2-1 Backup Rule is the best standard for data protection, never lose important files, no matter what happens. Here’s how it works:
3 Copies of Your Data – One original + two backups.
2 Different Storage Types – Keep backups on different media (e.g., external hard drives, cloud storage, NAS).
1 Offsite Backup – Store one copy in a separate location (e.g., cloud, another physical location).
Why It Matters
Hardware fails
Cyberattacks happen
"I thought I saved it" isn’t a great recovery plan
Bottom line: Backups are like a seatbelt. You don't think about it. You don't even want to wear it sometimes. It's just there, slightly uncomfortable, a minor inconvenience in daily routine. But the second something goes wrong? You're beyond grateful it's there.
Commercial IT Optimization Guide
Tips to Optimize Commercial IT Systems
Implement Enterprise Firewalls - Use next-gen firewalls for business security.
Regularly Audit Security Policies - Review access permissions for employees.
Train Employees on Cybersecurity - Conduct regular security awareness training.
Utilize Secure Cloud Services - Adopt encrypted storage and backup solutions.
Enforce Role-Based Access Control - Limit system access based on user roles.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDES
Restart Your Modem & Router - Unplug both for at least 30 seconds before restarting.
We have all been there, you call your service provider asking for some guaidance on troubleshooting your network. The first thing they ask usually is, have you unplugged your modem and/or router? Seems so simple but we often forget to do this.
But here’s why you actually should: Restarting your modem and router helps clear out digital clutter, refreshes your connection to your ISP, and can even improve speed and performance. Plus, it helps thwart cyber threats by disconnecting any sneaky malware that might have latched onto your network.
Think of your device having a cat nap—quick, effective, and surprisingly refreshing.
Check Other Devices - Before you call your internet provider or threaten your router with a dramatic unplugging, do a quick check: Can other devices connect just fine? If so, your Wi-Fi isn’t the problem—your device is.
Troubleshooting a personal tech tantrum is a whole different game than a full-blown internet outage.
- misconfigured network setting
- outdated drivers
- a background process hogging all the bandwidth
Identifying the culprit saves you time and frustration—plus, it keeps you from needlessly restarting everything in a blind panic.
Run a Speed Test - Check your internet speed using Speedtest.net to determine performance.
Internet feels slow, but is it actually slow? Or are you just expecting gigabit speeds while your entire household streams, downloads, and games at once?
Running a speed test tells you exactly what you’re working with—your download, upload, and ping speeds. If the numbers don’t match what you’re paying for, it might be time to reboot your router, call your provider, or at least have a stern conversation with your internet-hogging neighbour.
Reset Network Settings - Flush DNS and Cache on the device.
Devices hold onto outdated network info like an overzealous hoarder. Flushing the DNS and clearing the cache is like giving it a fresh start—wiping out corrupted or outdated network data that might be causing slowdowns or connection errors.
It’s especially useful if websites aren’t loading properly, your connection keeps dropping, or you’re experiencing those mysterious “No Internet” moments while everything else seems fine. Think of it as a digital detox for your device—out with the old, in with the new!
Download Downdetector - This app will advise what services are down.
Don't go in a tech panic spiral and assume your internet is broken, check Downdetector. If your favourite streaming service, social media, or gaming platform isn't working, it might not be you—it might be them.
Instead of endlessly refreshing, restarting, or questioning reality, a quick glance at Downdetector lets you know if the issue is widespread. It saves you the time (and embarrassment) of troubleshooting a non-existent problem.
Because let’s be real—knowing the internet is actually down is oddly comforting. At least it’s not your fault ..... this time.
Call Techquila - If none of these step’s work, give us a call/text (587) 321-5885 or email us at support@techquila.ca.
Check Printer Power & Connection - Ensure the printer is plugged in and properly connected.
Verify Ink & Paper - Check if the printer has enough ink/toner and paper loaded.
Restart the Printer - Power cycle the printer to clear temporary issues.
Update or Reinstall Printer Drivers - Ensure you have the latest drivers installed.
Try Printing from Another Device - If the issue persists, test from another computer.
Close Unnecessary Programs - Check Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to see high resource usage.
Clear Cache & Temporary Files - Use Windows Disk Cleanup or macOS storage management tools.
Scan for Malware - Use tools like Malwarebytes or Windows Defender.
Upgrade RAM or Use SSD - If your computer is slow, upgrading hardware can significantly boost performance.
Update Software & Drivers - Outdated drivers or software may slow performance.
Restart the Application - Close and reopen the application to see if the issue resolves.
Update Software - Ensure your software is running the latest version.
Check Compatibility - Make sure the software is compatible with your operating system.
Reinstall the Software - If issues persist, uninstall and reinstall the application.
Check for Conflicting Programs - Some applications may interfere with others.