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580: Mission Critical: The Power Struggle

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In this episode of Command Control Power, the team discusses ongoing technical challenges involving network equipment and power management. Joe shares updates on troubleshooting a host of issues with his elevator client, alongside dealing with generator compatibilities and frequent power outages. The conversation includes insights from Jerry and Sam, while addressing client concerns and experiences with improving power protection and network reliability. They delve into various power backup solutions and the frustrations of managing sophisticated networking equipment under unpredictable conditions.

-Joe has an update to his elevator client story.

-Sam and Jerry both have generators now but of course, have not lost power since the installation.

-To have true uninterruptible power using a UPS, there are specific models and settings needed.

-Joe recommends the Ecoflow River 2 for a portable power station: https://us.ecoflow.com/products/river-2-portable-power-station

-We want to know what Joe has to do when troubleshooting requires an onsite visit.

-On top of all of this, Joe’s client has 2 UniFi mission critical switches: https://store.ui.com/us/en/pro/category/all-power-tech/products/usw-mission-critical

-The “Joe” recipe for recycling power on UniFi devices is to unplug for 2 minutes.

-For warranty, always buy direct from UniFi.

-Sam really wants to know the client mood after everything that has happened.

-Jerry is sporting a CCP shirt from friend and Patron, Richard Wingfield. Thanks Richard!

Thank you to our Patreon sponsors!

578: Tech Upgrades, MFA Madness and More!

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Topics:

-Sam talks about his recent trip to Las Vegas to see Dead & Co at The Sphere

-BackBlaze has increased the price of sending a hard drive to $279.

-Jerry is running macOS Sequoia on his daily driver.

-Each year, the path of how users upgrade is a hot button topic.

-Sam likes Erase-install from Graham Pugh.

-A minimum point release is a safe bet for stability.

-The same people that don’t like security rules are the very people that are more likely to fall for things like phishing emails.

-Pulling that same thread, Microsoft is moving to conditional access for MFA and sunsetting per-user MFA.

-Joe talks about Apple disabling support for Post Script files. Sam does a like test.

-Jerry turned to Archive.org for an older version of the Drobo Dashboard app and he finds a live link to what he needed.

-He also suggests NextDNS for additional protection from harmful sites.

Thank you to our Patreon supporters!

577: Positivity and Practical Tips: Navigating Tech Challenges with New Insights

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In this episode, we discuss a range of topics from VPN configuration issues with the UniFi system, to the advanced security features of iCloud. They dive into real-world tech troubleshooting experiences, including a detailed examination of the ‘PERFECT DATA' scam through Microsoft 365 and the pros and cons of Apple's new support AI. The team finishes by sharing practical and actionable tips, such as enabling advanced data protection in iCloud and dealing with HFS-formatted CDs on modern Mac computers. Along the way, we share personal anecdotes and experiences.

Jerry describes his VPN and Network Configuration Challenges.

He uses UniFi’s Teleport Solution. “It’s the bomb.”

Based on Jerry’s advice, Sam uses Hudu’s documentation tools

Joe’s 1Password Tips and Tricks

Sam has a nightmare Microsoft 365 security incident involving an Enterprise Application called PERFECT DATA. He has some tips to help avoid something like this in the future.
-Microsoft Entra>Users>User Settings>Users can register applications (turn OFF)
-Applications>Enterprise Applications>Consent and Permissions>Do not allow user consent (or allowed from verified publishers)

Conditional Access Challenges

Should you buy licenses directly from Microsoft or through a reseller?

Apple's Security Features

Advanced Data Protection

Legacy File Systems and Solutions

Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

576: The Hunger Games: Call Center Edition - One Headset, One Rep, You vs. Everyone Else

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Topics:

In this episode, Joe grapples with a series of technical issues while trying to start his stream. Joe faces multiple frustrations with his Mac and browser configurations, expressing his exasperation with technology. The conversation shifts to broader grievances about poor customer service and systemic inefficiencies within major corporations, as Jerry and Joe recount personal experiences involving vendors, ISPs, and even a Tesla purchase process. Sam joins to provide moral support.

-Technical Difficulties and Introductions

-Joe's Frustration with Technology

-Jerry's Perspective and Client Stories

-Sam Joins the Conversation

-The Elevator Phone Saga

-Systemic Issues and Accountability

-The Busboy's Tale: A Lesson in Employee Care

-The Rigged System: Accountability and Retention

-Customer Service Nightmares: Real Stories

-Deferred Financing Fiasco

-Warranty Woes: The Mitsubishi Saga

-Frustrations with Facebook: A Tech Support Story

-The Bigger Problem: Industry Failures

-The Tesla App Experience

-Live StreamYard Troubleshooting

-Concluding Thoughts