🔒 Patreon Special

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

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

Patreon Show - 575: From Chateau Chillaxin' to Client Chaos: Joe's French Fantasy and Sam's News

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In this special episode of Command Control Power, the team shares engaging and personal stories ranging from client interactions to unique experiences. Joe recounts past memorable moments with high-profile clients and a magical, immersive time in France. Sam discusses an exciting departure that alleviates work stress, and Jerry navigates a complex client situation involving high-tech home installations while reflecting on professional boundaries.

574: Backblaze to the Future & Proofpoint Pandemonium

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Topics:

-Jerry shows off his new shirt.

-BackBlaze causes a major pain point for Jerry after a massive bill comes in. He has some good advice for those using BackBlaze groups.

-We debate how pricing increases affect how we pass the costs along to our customers.

-What is with BackBlaze’s maintenance schedule happening in the middle of a work day?

-Sam has a rough experience with Go Daddy when “defederating” Microsoft Office.

-This customer was using Proofpoint with Go Daddy and it remained active months after we attempted to disconnect.

-Go Daddy support seems to not have any understanding of the services that they are selling.

-Quick Tip regarding Apple Mail and Exchange when it stops responding: Quit Mail/Calendar/Contacts, go to Activity Monitor and force quit the exchangesyncd process. Restart the apps.

-Jerry shares an update about AppleCare+ and unlimited incidents.

-With changes to the Print Center and the removal of individual printer apps, Joe wonders why Apple can’t account for this and replace Dock items instead of leaving question marks.