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IT Pros: exclusive shows await you on Patreon, focusing on the more challenging aspects of running your practice and working with clients and employees.

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639: Exploring macOS 26 (Tahoe) Updates, Apple Product Upgrades, and MDM Strategies

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In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts discuss the latest release of macOS 26 (Tahoe), including new features and user experiences. They also talk about Apple's recent updates for older iOS versions and the challenges of managing macOS updates using Mobile Device Management (MDM) profiles. The conversation touches on the new AirPods Pro 3 and AppleCare One plans. Listeners also get a glimpse into upcoming discussion topics for Patreon supporters and participate in a fun pop quiz about Mac system files. The episode wraps up with insights into how Apple addresses counterfeiting and product quality.

00:00 Introduction and Fall Background Banter

00:39 Join Us on Patreon

01:23 Pop Quiz and New Cursors in Tahoe

03:18 WiFi Troubleshooting and Privacy Settings

04:43 Screen Recording Tools

05:30 System Settings and Update Issues

07:18 MDM Solutions and Blocking Updates

13:33 Client Experiences with Updates

22:33 Podcast Critiques and Fake Apple Products

27:17 Counterfeit Apple Products

29:17 Recommended Reads

30:09 Exploring macOS Updates

31:18 iOS Updates Breakdown

33:00 Apple's Generosity with Updates

34:19 Deferral Profiles and Update Strategies

38:39 AirPods Pro 3 Discussion

41:07 AppleCare One and Device Management

50:14 Pop Quiz and Closing Remarks

638: The Podcast Air: Slimmer, Lighter, and the newest one we ever made

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In this episode of Command Control Power, hosts Jerry and Joe discuss a special new episode's launch, emphasizing their latest, more advanced podcast. They explore two in-depth client cases, detailing their troubleshooting strategies for corrupted macOS systems and the importance of solid backup solutions. The discussion covers issues related to file system corruption, shared disc mode, Apple silicon, MDM capabilities, and exemplary client service experiences. Joe shares insights into using Apple’s tools more effectively and a handy tip for managing Netflix sign-outs on Samsung TVs.

00:00 Introduction and Special Opening

00:25 Groundbreaking Podcast Announcement

01:39 Pet Peeves and Shipping Woes

04:34 Technical Issues and Text Messaging

11:05 Repairing Computers and User Issues

25:49 Backup Solutions and Best Practices

28:57 Backup Strategies and Client Calls

29:17 Troubleshooting a Mac Studio with Full Storage

30:16 Shared Disk Mode and Carbon Copy Cloner Issues

32:25 Client Backup and OS Version Discovery

35:55 File System Corruption and Recovery

42:32 Apple Store and Client Referrals

47:05 Client Misunderstandings and Device Management

53:53 Family Reunion and Netflix Sign-Out Trick

56:50 Conclusion and Future Episodes

635: Adventures in Affiliate Limbo and the $37 Jackpot

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In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts discuss their patron-only content, focusing on tech insights they share for members. They delve into affiliate marketing with Amazon, highlighting successes and challenges. They reveal frustrations with Amazon affiliates and share tricks to navigate these programs more effectively. They discuss reliability issues with Ubiquiti products, and methods to manage and troubleshoot home networking issues. The episode also touches upon data recovery services, emphasizing experiences with Drive Savers. Listeners get a mix of tech tips, troubleshooting hacks, and behind-the-scenes insights.

00:00 Introduction and Patron-Only Content Teaser

01:48 Amazon Affiliates Marketing Update

02:26 Challenges with Amazon Affiliates

03:46 Affiliate Marketing Strategies and Recommendations

19:33 Data Recovery Services and Experiences

29:28 Client Equipment Purchases and Vendor Relationships

31:06 Client Misunderstandings and Vendor Expectations

31:26 Dealing with Hardware Markups and Transparency

32:18 Client Insistence on Specific Products

33:01 Balancing Client Savings and Business Revenue

36:41 Technical Issues with Screen Sharing and Command Tab

39:09 Monitor Resolution and Better Display App

43:46 Residential Client WiFi Troubleshooting

47:09 Issues with ISP Equipment and Double NAT

50:55 Preview App and Text Edit Issues

52:30 Ending Support for Older Systems and Protocols

56:19 Conclusion and Patreon Support

633: A Latte About Apple: Commando, Convos, and Coffee

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In this episode of Command Control Power, Joe and Sam catch up after attending a confidential Apple Technical Summit. They discuss the event’s highlights, including networking opportunities and technical presentations. Sam shares his experience improving a client's old IT setup, moving them to modern managed services and security practices. Joe dives into his quest for an ideal phone solution with group SMS capabilities, ultimately considering sticking with RingCentral due to recent features supported by AI. The episode also touches on the importance and challenges of maintaining high-quality internet service at a fair price and explores the potential environmental impact of AI note-taking.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts Reunion

00:15 NDA Event and Apple Summit

01:31 Networking and Connections

03:01 San Jose and Big Basin Adventures

06:18 Technical Summit Insights

09:12 Funny Poolside Moments

11:03 Caseless Phones and Engineering Marvels

16:31 Coffee Talk and AeroPress Trivia

25:22 Billing Challenges and Solutions

28:29 Client Negotiations and Agreement

28:55 Email Security and Phishing

29:52 Security Training and Awareness

31:30 New Client with Technical Debt

33:45 Managed Services Plan Pitch

37:41 AI in Client Communication

38:32 Phone Service Saga

51:34 Optimum Fiber and Internet Deals

56:49 Concluding Thoughts and Future Topics

625: Surviving the Unthinkable: Adam Burg's Personal Account of California's Eaton Fire

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In this episode of Command Control Power, hosts welcome Adam Burg of CALSO Technologies to share his harrowing experience with the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. Adam recounts the events leading up to the evacuation of his family, the destruction of their home, and their subsequent journey to recovery. He highlights the overwhelming support from the community, the importance of preparedness, and offers advice for ensuring business continuity in the face of natural disasters. The episode provides a detailed and emotional account of resilience and the power of community.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-burg-family-after-the-eaton-fire-in-altadena

 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:23 Adam's Tragic Experience in LA

01:22 Evacuation and Immediate Aftermath

03:10 Community Support and Personal Reflections

04:14 The Fire's Impact on Daily Life

05:07 Realization of the Fire's Severity

06:32 Evacuation Orders and Family Preparations

08:25 The Night of the Evacuation

10:27 Returning to the Devastation

18:58 Cleanup and Recovery Efforts

30:20 Architectural Heritage and Rebuilding

31:45 Life at the Hotel: Initial Experiences

32:56 Community and Support Among Families

34:26 Interactions with Firefighters

35:36 Challenges of Hotel Living

36:43 Emotional Impact on the Family

38:01 Reflections on Community and Support

39:28 Environmental Refugees and Climate Change

41:34 Insurance and Preparedness

47:10 Rebuilding and Client Support

55:00 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

Meet the community trying to save Altadena’s history after the L.A. fires

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

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Cirrus Partners

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