Step-by-step IT how-to guides
Home / Resources / Guides

How-To Guides for Everyday IT

Clear, step-by-step guides on the products and services we offer.

15 Step-by-Step IT Guides

Simple instructions for common IT tasks. If you get stuck, our team is happy to help.

How to choose a business laptop

About 5 min · 5 steps

  1. List what your team does every day, such as email, spreadsheets, design or video calls.
  2. Choose at least 16 GB of memory and a solid-state drive (SSD) for smooth multitasking.
  3. Check battery life, weight and screen size for people who travel.
  4. Compare HP, Lenovo and Dell models and their warranty options.
  5. Ask us for a quote, including setup and bulk pricing.

How to set up a new work laptop

About 10 min · 5 steps

  1. Charge the laptop and install all system updates.
  2. Create user accounts and sign in with your work email.
  3. Install security software and turn on disk encryption.
  4. Install the apps your team needs, such as Microsoft 365.
  5. Connect to Wi-Fi, printers and your backup service, then test everything.

How to back up your business data

About 8 min · 5 steps

  1. List the files and systems you cannot afford to lose.
  2. Follow the 3-2-1 rule: three copies, two types of storage, one copy off-site or in the cloud.
  3. Automate backups so they run every day without reminders.
  4. Protect backups with a password or encryption.
  5. Test a restore once a month to be sure it works.

How to set up a small office network

About 15 min · 5 steps

  1. Place the router or firewall in a central, secure spot.
  2. Connect a switch to the router and plug in desktops and printers with network cables.
  3. Add Wi-Fi access points where staff work.
  4. Use separate Wi-Fi names for staff and guests.
  5. Change default passwords and keep device firmware updated.

How to improve office Wi-Fi coverage

About 10 min · 5 steps

  1. Walk around the office and note where the signal is weak.
  2. Move the router or access point to a central position, away from walls and metal.
  3. Add more access points, connected by cable, in weak areas.
  4. Choose the least crowded Wi-Fi channel or let the access points choose it.
  5. Retest speeds in each room and adjust.

How to choose a server for your business

About 8 min · 5 steps

  1. Count your users and list the applications and data you will host.
  2. Plan for two to three years of growth.
  3. Decide between a rack server and a tower server.
  4. Add RAID storage and a second power supply for resilience.
  5. Compare HPE and Dell models and plan backups before you buy.

How to install a network printer

About 10 min · 5 steps

  1. Unbox the printer, load paper and install the toner or ink.
  2. Connect it to the network by cable or Wi-Fi.
  3. Note its IP address from the printer screen.
  4. On each computer, add the printer using that address and install the driver.
  5. Print a test page and set a PIN or admin password.

How to connect a second monitor

About 5 min · 5 steps

  1. Check your laptop for HDMI, DisplayPort or USB-C ports.
  2. Plug in the monitor and power it on.
  3. Press Windows key and P and choose Extend.
  4. Open Display settings to arrange the screens and set the resolution.
  5. Use a dock if you need more ports.

How to migrate email to Microsoft 365

About 20 min · 5 steps

  1. Choose a Microsoft 365 plan for your team.
  2. Add your domain and create user accounts.
  3. Back up your existing mailboxes.
  4. Move mail, contacts and calendars with a migration tool or ask us to do it.
  5. Update your DNS records, then set up Outlook on every device.

How to move your business to the cloud

About 15 min · 5 steps

  1. List the apps, files and servers you use today.
  2. Decide what to move first, starting with low-risk systems.
  3. Pick a platform such as Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365 or AWS.
  4. Migrate in stages and test each one.
  5. Set budgets and alerts to control monthly costs.

How to turn on multi-factor authentication

About 5 min · 5 steps

  1. Open the security settings of your email or cloud account.
  2. Choose multi-factor authentication or two-step verification.
  3. Install an authenticator app on your phone.
  4. Scan the QR code and enter the six-digit code to confirm.
  5. Save your backup codes somewhere safe.

How to spot a phishing email

About 5 min · 5 steps

  1. Check the sender's address carefully for small spelling changes.
  2. Be wary of urgent requests for money, passwords or gift cards.
  3. Hover over links to see where they really go.
  4. Never open unexpected attachments.
  5. Report the email to your IT team and delete it.

How to run a basic security check

About 15 min · 5 steps

  1. List your devices, accounts and systems.
  2. Check that every device has updates and security software.
  3. Review who has access to what, and remove old accounts.
  4. Make sure backups exist and work.
  5. Ask us for a full cyber security assessment to find deeper risks.

How to start using generative AI safely at work

About 10 min · 5 steps

  1. Pick one simple task, such as drafting emails or summarising notes.
  2. Write a short policy on what staff may and may not enter into AI tools.
  3. Choose business versions of tools that protect your data.
  4. Check every AI answer for accuracy before using it.
  5. Train your team and review results after a month.

How to request a software change or new feature

About 8 min · 5 steps

  1. Describe the problem or goal in plain words.
  2. Explain who uses the software and how often.
  3. Share screenshots, examples or related documents.
  4. Set a deadline and a budget range.
  5. Send the request to us and we will reply with an estimate and a plan.

Want Us to Do It for You?

Our engineers can set up, migrate and secure your systems.