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Best Of CCP - 073: Mac Mini 2014 & Recommendations

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Sam Valencia, Jerry Zigmont and Joe Saponare discuss working with Apple technology and clients. Drawn from their combined experience of over 20 years in the Apple Consultants Network, thaey discuss technical support issues both with the technology and working with clients.

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

637: Lost in the Cloud: Flyers, Reviews, and Resetting Reality

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In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts reconnect for a public episode featuring casual banter and professional insights. Discussions range from optimal microphone placement for virtual backgrounds, humorously recounting past advertising endeavors, to moving children into college. The main focus, however, addresses IT and consultancy challenges including issues with ISP connections using Unify, effective marketing strategies, customer experience, generating client reviews, and the impact of AI on IT solutions. The hosts share personal anecdotes and valuable tips for both seasoned consultants and newcomers in the field.

* The hosts discuss microphone placement and virtual backgrounds, referencing advice from Justin Esgar.

* Reflections on physical advertising: subway-style ads, banners at trade shows, flyers on community boards, and the effectiveness of old-school marketing versus digital targeting.

* Personal stories about getting clients from bulletin board flyers, local fairs, and classified ads.

* The evolution of client acquisition: from random, local encounters to digital, highly-targeted leads and the importance of being listed in the Apple Consultants Network (ACN) locator.

* The changing landscape of referrals: Google search, ACN locator, and even ChatGPT as a source of new clients.

* The role of reviews: how to ask for them, where to post them (Google, Yelp, ACN), and the impact of both positive and negative reviews.

* Anecdotes about difficult client interactions, especially around technical misunderstandings and device resets.

* Technical discussion: using Unifi’s custom SLA (Service Level Agreement) settings to reduce false internet outage alerts, and the value of tools like Uptime Robot.

* Brief mention of AI note-taking and its environmental impact, with a plan to discuss this further in a future episode.

* Closing thanks to listeners and patrons, with a reminder about Patreon benefits.

Best Of CCP - 403: I Hope You Find Honest Work One Day

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Sam Valencia, Jerry Zigmont and Joe Saponare discuss working with Apple technology and clients. Drawn from their combined experience of over 20 years in the Apple Consultants Network, thaey discuss technical support issues both with the technology and working with clients.