653: We Don't Need No Stinkin’ Deferrals

In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts humorously discuss their tech-related frustrations and the nuances of tech support. They struggle with audio issues at the beginning, but then delve into the timing issues with Apple's OS updates and deferrals, highlighting the challenges of managing these updates for clients. There's a light-hearted recount of personal tech issues, such as using HomePods and streaming music services. They also share the complexities of dealing with ISPs, particularly with switching providers and maintaining service quality. The episode concludes with a quirky story about a tech support session interrupted by a client's unexpected firing.

00:00 Introduction and Banter

01:12 Technical Difficulties and Setup

06:17 ISP Experiences and Switching to Frontier

08:07 Nostalgia and Local References

11:57 Dealing with ISPs and Customer Service

19:46 Frontier Fiber and Recommendations

23:05 Awkward Client Interaction

24:47 Tahoe Deferrals Explained

26:15 Apple's 90-Day Update Policy

29:04 Challenges with OS Updates

32:25 Client Management Strategies

36:49 The Frustrations of Tech Updates

50:45 Humorous Client Stories

52:20 Closing Remarks and Announcements

649: Wired for Success, Concrete Solutions With Andy Espo of Call Andy Consulting

In this episode of Command Control Power, Andy Espo from Call Andy Mac Consulting joins the discussion once again. The conversation kicks off with humorous banter about appearances and jackets before delving into serious tech talk. Andy shares the complexities of installing and upgrading network infrastructure in high-end residential projects, especially in challenging environments like old houses and concrete structures. He emphasizes the importance of discerning client relationships, meticulous planning, and ensuring proper execution by contractors. Andy also discusses strategies for building trust with clients, effective communication, and the shift towards managed services amid growing cybersecurity concerns. The episode concludes with insights on the importance of networking and building strategic partnerships with clients.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:41 High-End Residential Work

01:55 Challenges in Network Installations

04:47 WiFi Planning and Intuition

09:18 Client Education and Expectations

10:57 Working with Contractors

17:07 Common Wiring Issues

20:35 Ensuring Quality and Client Satisfaction

29:05 The Importance of Redundancy in Wiring

29:27 Challenges with Daisy Chaining and Switches

29:56 The Frustration of Poor Wiring in High-End Homes

31:01 The Impact of Construction Materials on WiFi Performance

32:42 The Shift to Managed Services and Cybersecurity

34:40 The Importance of Cyber Insurance

40:56 Efficiency Loss and Productivity in IT

45:30 The Art of Communicating Value to Clients

50:36 Building Strategic Partnerships

52:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

646: Navigating Tech Updates and Client Communications

In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts welcome listeners to their December show, tease upcoming Patreon episodes discussing managed service offerings, designing flyers using Canva and ChatGPT, and all-inclusive pricing with Tim Pearson. The episode touches on experiences with a Canva PDF rendering issue using the Preview app in MacOS, including troubleshooting steps with Adobe PDF engines. The hosts share client communication challenges about service rate negotiations and discuss the intricacies of pricing models and plan structures. Additional technical topics include a significant bug with Microsoft Auto Update renaming apps erratically, strategies for managing OnePassword memory prompts and passkey enrollments, and a tip-off from listeners about Backblaze's change in policy for iCloud Drive backups. They wrap up with amusing anecdotes from client interactions and discuss the complexities of web browsers and user understanding of tech terms.

00:00 Opening Banter and Introductions

00:25 Welcome to Command Control Power

01:40 Patreon Teasers and Managed Service Offerings

02:33 PDF Rendering Issues with Canva

07:53 Client Negotiations and Pricing Strategies

28:02 Reselling Services and Client Retention

30:53 Microsoft Auto Update Issues

34:04 Microsoft Auto Update Issues

34:42 Identifying the Problem

35:08 Known Issues and Workarounds

36:29 Installer Process and Conflicts

37:59 Disabling Auto Update

38:19 Microsoft's Response

39:04 Apple's Role in the Issue

39:43 Temporary Solutions

44:08 One Password Tips

53:32 Backup Solutions and Listener Feedback

01:01:20 Concluding Thoughts and Listener Stories

Best of CCP - 427: Guest Host - Tim Pearson of CreativeTechs

This week we welcome long time supporter of the show, Tim Pearson of Creative Techs.

Tim joins us as a co-host.

He talks about traveling on the ferry to do onsite work.

The group discusses the wildfires out west.

Tim shares a story about the time he made a mistake of wearing a Star Wars shirt, causing his meeting to go way overtime.

The group helps Tim with approaching a mistake he made in his business.

Jerry’s talks about the “Screwdriver Effect”

Getting fired by a client is a great opportunity to take another look at how you do things.

Everyone discusses MSP and contracts with clients.

How are the group members finding new work throughout the pandemic?

Sam explains how he started getting referrals from the Apple stores.

The group talks about the Apple Consultants Network program and its benefits.

What is everyone seeing regarding to employees coming back to the offices?

Some people work better in offices and some at home.

Do you have employees or paid friends?

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

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

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