The Naked Tech field guides
A little understanding.
A clearer next step.
Practical help for the technology in your home. Start with a topic, understand what you’re seeing, and try the checks that fit—even if you never need a visit.
Browse by topic · 12 topics
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5 practical guides
Slow computers
Understand the slowdown before choosing a fix, upgrade or replacement.
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Why is my computer slow—and should I fix, upgrade or replace it?Is your computer slow? Learn what may cause poor performance and how to decide between a safe fix, an upgrade or replacement.
- Computer takes a long time to start: what to check first
- Is your computer slow, or is the internet slow?
- Read Windows performance information without guessing at a fix
- What to record before a slow-computer assessment
8 practical guides
Wi-Fi and internet
Separate device, coverage and internet-service problems.
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Wi-Fi keeps dropping: how to narrow down the problemWi-Fi keeps dropping? Compare devices, rooms and symptoms before buying equipment, and understand what a local diagnosis includes.
- Do you need mesh Wi-Fi, another access point, or a better router position?
- Planning mesh Wi-Fi placement and backhaul
- Checking and taking ownership of a new home Wi-Fi setup
- Wi-Fi trouble on one device or every device?
- Wi-Fi coverage or internet service: what should you record?
- How to use a connection test without overinterpreting it
- Intermittent Wi-Fi dropouts: keep a useful symptom diary
3 practical guides
Moving to a new computer
Prepare, move and check the files and everyday tools that matter.
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Moving to a new Windows computer: what to prepare, transfer and checkA practical overview of ways to move to a new Windows computer, with limits, preparation steps and checks to reduce surprises without promising a perfect transfer.
- Moving to a new Windows computer: what to prepare
- After a computer move: what should you check?
4 practical guides
Computer backups
Choose a backup approach and practise restoring a harmless file.
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How to set up a simple backup for one home computerA practical starting point for protecting important files on one Windows or Mac personal computer.
- One onsite and two offsite backups: designing independent copies
- External drive or cloud: choosing a computer backup destination
- How to test restoring a file from your backup
3 practical guides
Scams and account security
Find calm first steps, account checks and a useful incident record.
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What to do after a suspected scam: first steps and who can helpA calm first-response guide for deciding what to do after a suspicious message, call, payment request, account event or remote-access incident.
- Check account access after a scam or suspicious sign-in
- What to record after a suspected scam
3 practical guides
Viruses and unwanted pop-ups
Separate browser warnings from device symptoms and understand scan results.
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Think your computer has a virus? Safe first stepsA calm first response for one working personal Windows or Mac computer when something looks wrong, without jumping to a diagnosis.
- Fake virus pop-ups: close the warning and check browser permissions
- What a Windows Security scan result means
3 practical guides
Email problems
Narrow down sending, receiving, synchronisation and missing-mail issues.
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Email not sending, receiving or syncing? Start hereA calm first check for a personal email account that is not sending, receiving or updating on a phone, tablet or computer.
- How to look for a missing email without deleting anything
- A simple test for email sending and receiving
4 practical guides
Moving to a phone or tablet
Choose a supported path and keep the old device until checks are complete.
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Moving to a new phone or tablet: choose a supported pathA practical overview for choosing a safe transfer path between Apple devices or Android devices, with checks for compatibility, access, space and readiness.
- Prepare your phone or tablet before a transfer
- Phone account continuity after a device move
- Check your new phone or tablet before letting the old one go
3 practical guides
Printer troubleshooting
Find a sensible starting point for printing, queues and scanning.
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Printer not printing? Start with these safe checksA calm first look at printer status, connection, device selection and the exact error before changing anything.
- How to check a stuck print queue
- Printer prints but will not scan
3 practical guides
New printer setup
Prepare your equipment, connect one device and check the result.
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Set up a new home printer without guessworkA practical sequence for identifying, connecting and checking a new household printer or multifunction printer.
- Prepare for a new printer setup
- Test a new printer and scanner
3 practical guides
Password safety and control
Build a password system you can use and keep recovery in your control.
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Start using a password manager without making life harderA practical introduction to choosing and using a maintained password manager for everyday accounts, supported devices and safer sign-ins.
- Move passwords without losing access
- Build a password manager recovery plan
3 practical guides
Home office setup
Make your existing screens, connections and calls work together.
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Set up a home office that works with youA practical way to review your home-office equipment, position the workspace and make everyday technology easier to use.
- Check your monitor, dock and cables
- Check your video-call camera, sound and light