624: Tech Takes: The Struggles with AI and Accounting Software

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In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts discuss their long-standing production schedule and reliance on listener support through Patreon. They share humorous anecdotes and frustrations about everyday tech issues, such as fixing client problems and dealing with insufficient AI-generated messages. The conversation delves into the ever-increasing costs of essential services like QuickBooks and the challenges of using AI tools like ChatGPT for tasks ranging from contract creation to tech support. They also touch on broader issues involving monopolistic behaviors of tech giants and the impact of poor customer service on consumers.

00:00 Introduction and Support Request

00:28 Prom Date Analogy

00:54 Safari Issue and Client Gratitude

01:53 AI Summaries and Notifications

05:04 Apple Intelligence Rant

05:12 Google Assist Anecdote

06:47 Voice Dictation Errors

10:38 AI Contract Creation

12:43 Challenges with AI Refinement

21:20 AI in Daily Tasks

24:14 The Importance of Note Taking

24:53 AI in Coding and App Development

25:51 Gardening with AI Assistance

29:09 QuickBooks Pricing and Features

36:43 Challenges with Tech Support and Monopolies

46:54 AI's Potential and Limitations

48:22 Conclusion and Support

623: When Updates and Integration Go Awry: A Case Study

In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts tackle a series of tech frustrations including missed live streams, troublesome iPhone camera features, and challenges with Apple TV and Hulu apps. They dive into a detailed rant about modern tech devices failing to work seamlessly, share personal anecdotes of encountering pop-up errors and software compatibility issues, and discuss potential solutions. Special segments include difficulties with remote work, the quirks of Notifications and Permissions in macOS, and the ongoing struggle with the Malwarebytes and Addigy integration. The discussion wraps with user interaction nuances and a nostalgic thank you to a decade-long listener.

00:00 Introduction and Apologies

00:19 Technical Difficulties and Live Stream Issues

00:34 Joe's Haircut and Visual Gags

01:31 Camera Control Button Rant

08:24 Dinner and Hulu Troubles

09:40 General Tech Frustrations

12:51 Coordination Problems in Tech

17:01 Malwarebytes and Agy Integration

17:50 Confusing Security Popups

19:00 User Reactions and Issues

20:23 Malwarebytes and Agy Coordination

20:40 Jerry's Experience with the Issue

25:01 Apple's Notification System

36:22 Remote Desktop Control Challenges

39:26 Listener Appreciation and Conclusion

622: Streamlining Revenue: Affiliate Insights and Network Solutions

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In this episode of Command Control Power, Joe and Jerry dive into the intricacies of network monitoring, leveraging affiliate programs for additional revenue, and the challenges of managing client relationships. They discuss Jerry's struggles with dermatological prescriptions and the importance of staying updated on tech services. The conversation shifts to the mechanics of Amazon's affiliate program, their frustrations with Amazon's strict rules, and how they incorporate other affiliate programs like Backblaze and Uptime Robot into their business models. The duo also shares insights on using tools like Choosy for managing multiple browsers and discusses the pitfalls of extensions like the Honey browser extension. Finally, they highlight the importance of offering network monitoring services to clients and the strategies they use to sell these essential services.

00:00 Introduction and Opening Banter

00:13 Prescription Woes and Dermatology Services

03:12 Amazon Affiliate Program Frustrations

05:25 Affiliate Marketing Strategies and Challenges

11:43 Leveraging Chat GPT for Business Efficiency

20:13 Backblaze Affiliate Success

24:48 Honey Browser Extension Controversy

28:03 Browser Extensions: Pros and Cons

28:38 The Camel Extension for Amazon

29:22 Streamy Yard and Browser Compatibility

30:14 Choosy App for Browser Management

32:00 Affiliate Links and Malware Concerns

36:16 Uptime Robot for Network Monitoring

45:13 Challenges with Network Monitoring

51:36 The Importance of Regular Network Updates

56:37 Subscription Benefits and Conclusion

Best Of CCP - 470: Beans In The Buckets

620: From Rooftops in Spain to QuickBooks User Pains

Cirrus Partners

In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts discuss recent events including a vacation and the ACEs conference. They dive into a detailed troubleshooting story involving QuickBooks server issues and explore the challenges associated with setting up Windows PCs and QuickBooks for clients. Additional topics include managing one password admin access for clients and a debate over using cases for Macs. The episode also highlights the 10th anniversary of the Mac Admins community and offers useful insights for managed service providers.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:08 Vacation Recap: London and Spain

01:11 The Sunday Roast Experience

01:52 Yorkshire Pudding and British Cuisine

03:50 Party in Spain: Music, Conversations, and More

08:50 Back to Work: QuickBooks Troubles

28:46 QuickBooks Desktop vs. Online: The Cost Debate

29:11 Client's PC Purchase and Windows Upgrade Issues

30:12 Navigating Windows Setup and Software Challenges

31:00 Billing and Discounted Rates Discussion

33:00 Two-Factor Authentication Troubleshooting

35:11 One Password Support and Admin Access

47:10 Mac Admins Community and Personal Anecdotes

49:50 Client Device Trade-In and Repair Issues

51:58 Case or No Case: Protecting Your Devices

Thank you to our Patreon Sponsors!

619: Mac Misfires, Backblaze Blues, and the Cost of Bad Support

In this episode, the hosts of Command Control Power discuss their personal lives and tech experiences, including outdoor activities and everyday tech issues. They delve into a peculiar issue one encountered with a MacBook Pro during an update, which turned out to be related to Dell Display Manager. The conversation also covers Backblaze backup anomalies, Apple's migration assistant quirks, and problematic customer service interactions with vendors like Microsoft and RingCentral. To wrap up, the team reflects on the importance of considering user behavior in quality assurance for tech products and services.

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

00:54 Unexpected MacBook Pro Issue

03:33 Dell Display Manager Mystery

05:27 Annoying Software Bugs

08:48 Client Troubleshooting Story

17:55 Apple Watch Repair Misunderstanding

23:48 Backblaze Exclusions and Concerns

25:13 MacBook Air Story and Backup Issues

26:32 Backblaze Deduplication and Support

28:15 Trust Issues with Backblaze

30:48 Considering Alternative Backup Solutions

33:53 Client Concerns and Backup Costs

41:48 RingCentral and Phone Services

49:39 Quality Assurance in Tech

52:18 Concluding Thoughts and Listener Invitation