Hmmm, okay.
The question is: Single player or multi player? Because you obviously have to play a human different than the AI. Nevertheless I wouldn't recommend you to be too defensive especially early game-wise. When you play Advent, double-expanding with a Progrenitor Mothership in the one direction and with several Scouts (they counter early LRFs pretty well) and Disciples in the other works fine. Moreover, you should try to get Illuminators ASAP, because they share their +damage research with the Beam Defenses, which makes researching them more efficient.
Also, IMO the Advent have THE BEST defensive combo with Synergy-upgraded defense platforms, Shield Bestowal-upgraded Hangars, repair platforms and Ikonus guardians. Add a starbase and maybe some more defensive fleet and you have a very strong contain.
For the TEC I am not that much of an insider, but I like to go mass LRF (early research, low costs). My favourite cap is the Akkan - man, that thing is hard to kill... Besides, the two of them (LRF & Akkan) can be combined well with Targetting Uplink, increasing the range and hit percentage of all nearby allied ships. Add a dozen of Flak frigates, Hoshikos and Kodiaks and you have a decent attack force. It's a common strategy though, I think.
For more detailed information there are sooo many forum posts that help really well. Otherwise just ask for more "advice". 
Greetz 
