💪 Physical Setup 🔧

We don't run cables through walls/ceilings or mount equipment. Call an 👷 Electrician/General Contractor for that.

Data Transfer.

Transfer Data between Mac, PC or Cloud for Phones, Tablets, Backup and Sync.

Includes, but not limited to:
• Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, Tax/Accounting...
• Bookmarks/Favourites. Transfer Bookmarks between computers manually or by setting up browser sync. iCloud bookmark sync is the most flexible or each modern browser has built in sync services.
• Email, Contacts and Calendar transfer and conversion. Outlook, Windows Live Mail, Outlook Express, Thunderbird, Webmail, Gmail, Outlook.com, CardDAV/CalDAV...

Most transfers take 1.5 to 2 hours (depends on amount of data and condition of media). While we wait for the data to transfer, we can address other issues or questions you may have, setup your devices, Remove the factory installed bloatware, Cleanup and Organize your icons and menus.

Startup and Performance Tuning.

We diagnose and correct slow performance, hangs, freezes and update problems.

Windows.

We currently use AnVir Task Manager Free

Anvir Task Manager Free. Startup Monitor. Can be used to block changes to startup, but with Windows 10 - 1903, I am not using this as much. You can now disable startup items in task manager.

and CCleaner.

CCleaner. Cleanup tool. Uninstall programs, Clear caches and temporary files, System configuration utility.

to assist with this.

• Registry.

  Machine and User Runs, Shells, CurrentControlSet, CurrentVersions, Login, Strange entries in general.

• Services and Scheduled Tasks.

  Disable all but system and your required tasks (i.e. backups).

• Context Menus.

  Those menus that pop up when you right click something. If it takes a long time for it to come up, there is likely an invalid "Context Menu" item.

Mac.

iPhone/iPad, Android, Media Box

Organize Icons.

Windows: Desktop, Start Menu and Taskbar.

Mac: Desktop, Dock and Finder Sidebar.

Phones/Tablets: Home Screen, Browser favorites.

• Remove unused icons.
• Pin Internet Browser, Email, Office, Malware Scanner and user icons.
• Pin Favorites to Browser. I.e. Webmail, Facebook, Youtube...

Password Recovery and Reset.

A common problem is forgotten passwords. Also when transferring data, not all passwords transfer.
The odds are 50/50 that when I ask the client to enter their password, they say they don't have one.

• Windows.

  Reset password using ntpwedit

• iMac/Macbook.

  Boot to recovery and run resetpassword. Note may also need (not always) to delete login keychain which will delete all other saved passwords.

• Phone/Tablet.

  Restoring the most recent backup will work. Otherwise you will need to factory reset the device Apple, for Android, you will need to look up instructions for your manufacturer.
• We provide assistance resetting passwords for Facebook, Google, Apple, Microsoft, Shaw, Sasktel, etc...

Email.

• Transfer and syncronize email, contacts and calendar between computers, phones and tablets.
• Support for Outlook, Thunderbird, Mac Mail, Windows Live Mail, iPhone/iPad, Android and many more email clients.
• Troubleshooting and support for

  Sasktel

  ,

  POP Server: mail.sasktel.net Port: 110 Port: 995 SSL

  IMAP Server: mail.sasktel.net Port: 143 Port: 993 SSL

  SMTP Server: smtp.sasktel.net Port: 587 SSL

  Shaw

  ,

  POP Server: pop.shaw.ca Port: 110 Port: 995 SSL/TLS

  IMAP Server: imap.shaw.ca Port: 143 Port: 993 SSL/TLS

  SMTP Server: mail.shaw.ca Port: 587 TLS

  Exchange Domain: shaw.ca Username: email w/o @shaw.ca Exchange Server: wm.shaw.ca SSL: Yes Client certificate: none

  Gmail

  ,

  Enable forwarding in Gmail settings.

  POP Server: pop.gmail.com Port: 995 SSL/TLS

  IMAP Server: imap.gmail.com Port: 993 SSL/TLS

  SMTP Server: smtp.gmail.com Port: 465 SSL Port: 587 TLS/STARTTLS

  Outlook.com

  ,

  Enable POP/IMAP in Outlook.com settings. You will need to generate an app password. under more security options.

  POP Server: outlook.office365.com Port: 995 TLS

  IMAP Server: outlook.office365.com Port: 993 TLS

  SMTP Server: smtp.office365.com Port: 587 STARTTLS

  iCloud

  ,

  You will need to generate an app password..

  IMAP Server: imap.mail.me.com Username: email w/o @icloud.com Port: 993 SSL

  SMTP Server: smtp.mail.me.com Username: full email address Port: 587 SSL/TLS/STARTTLS

  GoDaddy

  ,

  POP Server: pop.secureserver.net Port: 110 Port: 995 SSL

  IMAP Server: imap.secureserver.net Port: 143 Port: 993 SSL

  SMTP Server: smtpout.secureserver.net Port: 465 SSL Port: 587 TLS/SSL

  Yahoo

  ,

  POP Server: pop.mail.yahoo.com Port: 995 SSL

  IMAP Server: imap.mail.yahoo.com Port: 993 SSL

  SMTP Server: smtp.mail.yahoo.com Port: 465 TLS/SSL Port: 587 TLS/SSL

  and many more.

• POP

  Post Office Protocol (POP).

  • Traditional email system from the day of very limited online storage.
  • Supported by most email providers. Apple's iCloud does not support POP.
  • Downloads messages to the local computer and by default, deletes messages off the mail server.
  • Not recommended, Messages are lost on computer failure and hard to syncronize between devices.
  • If multiple people are accessing the same email account, you may need to use this protocol. Other protocols will mark messages as read by the first person to open them.
  • If messages are set to not automatically delete, you will need to login to webmail to free up space from time to time.

  IMAP

  Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP).

  • Supported by most, if not all, email providers.
  • Email is accessed directly on the server.
  • Any messages read, moved, deleted will be reflected across all devices.
  • Messages are still on the server in the event of computer failure or loss.

  Exchange

  Microsoft proprietary email protocol.

  • Limited support.
  • Syncronizes email, contacts and calendar.

  SMTP

  .

  Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP).

  • Supported by all email servers for sending email (The others retrieve email).
• Highly recommend converting to webmail:
  • ^i.Sasktel - webmail.sasktel.net. 3GB Storage.
  • ^i.Shaw - webmail.shaw.ca. 1GB Storage.
  • Outlook(Hotmail) - Outlook.com. 15GB for Email, 5GB for data.
  • Gmail - mail.google.com. 15GB for Email, Documents, Original quality photos and videos (unlimited high quality).
  • Transfer or syncronize your contacts between computers, phones and tablets. Never lose them again.
  • Lose your computer or device and all your email and contacts are still on the cloud.
    Cloud, internet and web are all the same thing.
  • Just like desktop email programs (Windows Live Mail, Thunderbird, Outlook, Outlook Express...), Gmail and Outlook will allow you to connect multiple email addresses.
  • Sasktel and Shaw email addresses are tied to your Internet account. Makes it hard if you want to switch internet providers. Recommend moving to Gmail or Outlook.

Security Setup. AntiVirus and Backup.

Golden Rules.

• Don't pay with cash, gift cards or bitcoin. Anyone wanting payment this way is a scammer.
• Backup. Always have 2 copies of anything important on 2 different devices.
• Check your backups. Try restoring a recent file, don't assume it's working.
• Run virus scans. On a regular basis, don't assume it's working.
• Never Pay For Anything. Except us.😃
• If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.
• Don't trust anyone unless you start the conversation. Popups, Emails, Phone calls, your Front Door or on the street. Politely say NO and contact the company directly if interested.
• Don't trust phone numbers found with Google or any other search engine. Make sure you go directly to the companies website, use the phone book or Canada411.ca.
• Don't open attachments or click on links unless you are expecting them.
• Hover over links to see where it points before clicking it (usually shows in bottom left of the window). Example:

Virus Scan.

One of the first things we do is kick off a Virus/Malware scan using Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free.

• Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free..
• Run the Virus Scanner at least once a month or if the machine does anything strange.
• Stick to the free version. It doesn't run in the background and interfere with performance or other programs. Click "I don't need real time protection" and "ok" when it asks.
• Works on Windows and Mac computers as well as newer Phone and Tablet devices. Does not work on some older Macs, phones and tablets.
• Deactivate Free Trial. Stay with the Free version. I do encourage purchasing a license too support the company, but don't install it. We have seen many machines slowed down by the paid version. Never Pay For Anything. Except us.😃

While it is running, we start a manual Tune-up.

In our experience, no one Anti-Virus catches everything. By running a seperate scanner, it forces your regular anti-virus to scan the files at the same time. Thereby catching a lot more viruses than an Anti-Virus program alone.

🖨 Printers/Scanners.

• Unpacking, setup and connection support. USB, WiFi/Wireless, Network and even LPT/Parallel port.
• Show you how to change the ink, load the paper and perform a scan/copy.
• Off warranty Commericial Printer & Copier configuration and networking support. Ricoh, Xerox, Canon, HP, etc..
• Canon or Brother printers recommended for home office/small office (less than 10 people). Also recommend Ricoh, but you won't find them in your typical office supply/computer store.
  • Reliable, durable and typically easy to setup and use.
  • Canon has better picture quality at a higher cost per page.
  • Brother prints photos just fine, but hold it up to a Canon print and you will generally see the difference.
  • Laser printers have the lowest cost per page in the long run. Toner cartridges cost more than inkjet, but do thousands of pages. Inkjet cartridges do only hundreds of pages...

📶 Routers, Wireless Extenders/Mesh, IoT, Home Assistants, Security Cameras...

If it needs to connect to a network or computer, we can help.😀

• Internet connection trouble shooting. Routers, switches and hubs.
  • Unplug your modem (Sasktel, Shaw box).
  • Count to 10.
  • Plug it back in.
  • Wait 5 minutes. Should see the Internet light (globe/wan) start flashing.
  • Try your internet now.
  • If still not working, call Shaw or Sasktel to check your connection.
  • Still not working, give us a Call.
• WiFi/Wireless troubleshooting and setup. Can't connect or connection dropping? Reset router as above. Still not working? We have multiple options for you.
  • WiFi Extenders. Cheapest option. These work by picking up the signal from your main wi-fi router and retransmitting it. While this does cut down the overall speed, it is usually made up for by the stronger signal. Work well when there is no interference from other routers. Don't work well in apartment or office buildings. Currently recommend the Netgear Nighthawk extenders.
  • Powerline Extenders. Quite often work better than Wireless Extenders. These work by transmitting your network signal over your existing powerlines. plug 1 unit into your existing router. Plug the other unit in close to where you are. Definitely don't work in all situations. If your powerlines are too noisy, these devices will not work well. Make sure you test before and after speeds. More than 3 adapters also has a habit of making too much noise to work.
  • Wireless Mesh Network. The most reliable solution. The base unit connects to your existing router. Mesh nodes are placed where needed to provide coverage. The nodes all talk to each other to create a mesh providing much better coverage than extenders. We can assist with many different mesh systems. Custom firmware, Netgear Extenders/Orbi, Ubiquiti, Google Nest WiFi, eero, Plume...
• VPN - Virtual Private Network.
  • Office/Home VPN Server. Encrypted connection to your office or home over the internet. A computer or router resides at your home or office. You install client software on your phone, tablet or computer to establish an encrypted connection.
  • Private Internet Access. Encrypted internet access. Protect yourself on public WiFi and prying eyes in general. Get around geographic restrictions. Your browsing and passwords are quite often unencrypted so that anyone on the same network can see them without VPN encryption.
• Security camera network and storage trouble shooting.
• Cloud based security systems. Canary, Google Nest, Arlo by Netgear...

📺 Smart TV/Media Boxes/Sticks/Apple TV.

• Connecting to Wireless/WiFi/Network. TV/Stereo connections. Keyboards/Mice.
• Connect a keyboard and mouse to your smart TV.
• Turn your phone or tablet into a full fledged computer.
  • Connect to computer monitor or TV (Google ChromeCast/AppleTV).
  • Bluetooth or Lightning/Micro-USB/USB-C to USB-A adapters you to connect usb hubs, keyboards, mice and usb drives, cameras, etc to your phone or tablet.
  • For Documents and spreadsheets, you can use Google Docs or Microsoft Word and Excel for iOS and Android.
  • Do your taxes with StudioTax.

🔄 Backups.🔒

⚠️ ALWAYS HAVE 2 COPIES OF ANYTHING IMPORTANT ON DIFFERENT MEDIA. ⚠️

Extremely important, but often overlooked, is protecting your documents, photos, contacts, etc with proper backups. Make sure you try restoring a recently backed up file on a regular basis to ensure the backup is working.

Backup your entire network or just 1 machine.

Backup types:
• Manual. Poor reliability. Drag and drop your data to a USB drive, cloud storage or other system. Extremely unreliable as people typically only do it once in a while.
• Local 1 backup drive. Better reliability. Susceptible to damage and Ransomware. Works well with Windows Backup and Apple Time Machine. Both systems backup hourly by default.
• Local 2 backup drives. Good reliabilty. Keep 1 drive offsite. Exchange drives on a regular basis. Protects against Ransomware by ensuring you have an offline backup. Mac Time Machine works well. Windows Backup does not handle this well. We provide custom backups or third party backup software is available.
• Cloud. Good to Best reliability. When first turned on, I have seen it take a week or more to do the first backup. After that just the changed files are backed up (usually quite quickly).
  • Backblaze.
    Works on: Windows and Mac only.
    Cost: $60/year per computer.
    Data: Unlimited.
    Retention: 30 days.
    Hands down, my pick for best backup system. 😲Gasp! It's a paid subscription service. No where else on this site have I recommended paying for something (except me 😀). Best value for large backups. It has never failed me yet. Solid protection against Ransonware.

🆕 Operating System and Application Updates.

If you are running Windows 7, we can assist you with the free Windows 10 upgrade. We charge for our time of course.🙂

Support for a wide range of updates.

Microsoft
DOS/Windows

Windows 10 Update.

Apple
iPhone, iPad, Mac

MacOS Catalina, iOS, tvOS

Android
Phone, Tablet, Media box

Android Updating.

Linux

Ubuntu and many others.

Never update right away. Wait a few weeks/month(s). Updates have been known to cause problems or take away functionality. Waiting provides a chance for people to report any issues and hopefully have them resolved.🙂

Critical and security updates are generally done automatically on modern Operating Systems including Microsoft Windows, Apple OSX/MacOS, iOS (iPhone/iPad), tvOS (AppleTV), Android. In today's wild west of the internet west with hacker groups and state sponsered hackers, these updates are the most important thing you can do to protect yourself (other than backups🙂). However, they can also cause problems requiring our help.

Device, application and major operating system updates will provide a notification, but are generally not installed automatically. We will check for and apply any required updates. Some problematic or long updates may require we take the machine offsite or multiple visits.