Best Of CCP - 027: Cleanup tools, repairing permissions, tracking down freezes and kernel panics

659: Email Ecosystems: Navigating Apple and Outlook

The hosts preview an upcoming Patreon episode about self-hosted, locally run AI for clients who want AI-powered editing without sending sensitive content to cloud services like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude. Jerry describes setting up a local AI system for a client to refresh medically based academic writings while keeping privacy, noting most of the solution was free aside from the computer, and contrasts this with internet-connected autonomous AI bots that require credentials and could be influenced by other bots online. The conversation broadens into Patreon topics about business operations, client attrition and return, and discussing sensitive client situations more freely.

They discuss hardware and product preferences, including choosing iPhone models (with repeated recommendations for an iPhone Pro), interest in a MacBook with built-in cellular to avoid carrier hotspot throttling, and debates about MacBook Pro battery life versus MacBook Air. Sam explains he switched work email to Outlook on Mac and iPhone due to Apple Mail reliability issues and to better separate work from personal notifications, while others compare Apple Mail smart mailboxes to Outlook’s saved searches and discuss organizing workflows with smart folders and flags.

Sam recounts testing whether an iPad could serve as a second travel workstation for a client who relies on an on-prem Mac server (SMB file sharing and FileMaker Server). They run into clunky SMB workflows in iPad Files/Word, inability to favorite deep SMB paths, OneDrive-first behavior in Word, and a FileMaker version mismatch where an older iPad (limited to iOS 16) can’t connect to the newer FileMaker server. They consider shortcuts like web clips but conclude a second MacBook would be simpler.

The episode also covers a bug on iOS/macOS 26 where Microsoft 365 accounts in Apple’s native Internet Accounts setup appear authenticated but don’t actually work, leading them to use Outlook as a workaround and consider resetting MFA/credentials. They close with a story about extending the usability of a 10-year-old MacBook Pro by installing Firefox ESR, and discuss typical Mac lifespan expectations and guidance for clients on replacement timelines.

00:00 Self‑Hosted AI Teaser: Keeping Client Content Private

02:20 Wild West AI Agents: Credentials, Bot Networks & Security Risks

03:34 On‑Prem vs Cloud (and Why VPN Matters)

05:19 Patreon Plug: Business Ops, Client Attrition & “Juicy Stories”

08:16 iPhone Upgrade Debate: Pro vs Air, Foldables & Pro Cameras

09:04 Dream MacBook Features: Built‑In Cellular, OLED & Battery Life

15:42 Switching Mail Clients: Outlook for Work, Sanity on iPhone

18:28 Email Overload & Smart Mailboxes: Apple Mail vs Outlook Searches

26:56 iPad as a Work Device? Real‑World Client Scenarios

29:02 Why the On‑Prem Mac Server Can’t Be Easily Replaced (SMB, Screen Sharing, FileMaker)

29:52 iPad + SMB Shares: VPN Access Works, But Favorites and Navigation Don’t

31:38 Editing Word Docs from a Server: Share Sheet Confusion & Save Behavior

32:25 OneDrive Defaults, Hazel Watch-Folder Ideas, and the “Just Use a MacBook Air” Moment

34:21 Shortcut Hack: Using Web Clips to Jump Straight to Deep Server Folders

36:13 The Dealbreaker: Old iPadOS vs New FileMaker Server Compatibility

37:43 Remote Setup via MDM + VPN Profile (and the Keyboard/Mouse Reality Check)

39:11 Multitasking Limits on iPadOS 16: Split View vs Modern Windowed Apps

41:32 Microsoft 365 Login Bug on iOS/macOS 26: No Password Prompt, Account Weirdness

46:04 Workarounds and Client Perception: “Just Use Outlook” (and Why That Stings)

47:53 Wrapping Up: Keeping Old Macs Alive (Firefox ESR) and How Long Apple Silicon Will Last

52:50 Final Thoughts & Sign-Off

657: Routers, Returns, and Roustabouts

In this episode of Command Control Power, Jerry and Joe discuss recent weather experiences and delve into network topics, including the Unify travel router, the Unify 5G Max Dream Router, and data SIM options. They also share practical tips for streamlining tech tools like Text Expander shortcuts and explore innovative solutions like SPEED for bonding multiple internet connections. Additionally, they touch on topics like simplifying Amazon returns and considerations for international travel, providing humorous anecdotes and prudent advice along the way.

00:00 Introduction and Weather Chat

01:14 Network Talk: Ubiquiti Announcements

01:36 Unify Travel Router: Features and Criticisms

04:54 Dream Router 5G Max: A Versatile Solution

06:28 5G Max and LTE Backup: Deployment Insights

13:26 Affordable Data SIMs for Low-Income Users

18:41 International Travel: EIM Solutions

23:05 Speed.com: Bonding Multiple Connections

28:05 Understanding Data Plans and Router Compatibility

28:56 Currency Exchange for International Travel

33:29 Network Security and Data Protection

37:57 Text Expander Tips and Tricks

43:43 Venmo and ACH Payment Insights

48:11 Amazon Returns and Stock Picks

52:13 Conclusion and Listener Appreciation

Best of CCP - 469: Past Performance Is No Guarantee Of Future Results

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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.

655: Somewhere Between SOS and Success

In this episode of Command Control Power, Sam and Joe discuss their recent experiences managing client tech issues, including dealing with email outages linked to service cancellations and signature management services. They highlight the significance of understanding backend configurations and making informed decisions to enhance client service. The conversation also touches on the nuances of email signature management, the importance of staying visible to clients without overwhelming them, and venting frustrations with Apple product cases. Engaging anecdotes and practical advice underscore the challenges and rewards of providing high-quality tech support.

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

00:31 Verizon Outage Discussion

02:02 Software Updates and Challenges

12:35 Client Management Strategies

20:35 Windows to Mac Switchers

30:53 A Longtime Client's Charging Issue

31:44 The Mystery of the MagSafe Tape

33:12 Visible Wear on Apple Products

34:25 Frustrations with Apple Cases

41:06 Switching Email Platforms and Issues

44:42 Email Signature Management Challenges

55:43 Conclusion and Patreon Support

654: All Trails Lead to Rants: Tackling Technology

In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts discuss the hustle of their busy January, including managing clients during holiday breaks. They share insights on employing external support teams, retaining work efficiency without a full-time replacement, and offering priority support services for high-demand clients. They dive into domain management stories, highlighting positive and negative interactions with GoDaddy. The hosts also explore the hidden functionality of Apple’s backtrack feature and share frustrations about the all trails app. Join them for a mix of practical advice, tech tips, and candid commentary on managing IT work and client needs.

00:00 Introduction and Holiday Recap

00:44 Managing Client Support During Holidays

02:09 Outsourcing Support Services

03:40 Implementing Support Team and Workflow

07:07 Client Feedback and Adaptations

08:59 Priority Support and New Services

13:31 AI and Automation in Client Support

20:26 Domain Management and SEO Challenges

30:58 GoDaddy's Unexpected Favor

32:53 Navigating Domain Transfers

37:35 Apple's Hand Warmer Idea

38:22 Apple TV Screenshot Trick

40:18 Apple's Backtrack Feature

46:34 Frustrations with AllTrails App

54:37 Conclusion and Patreon Plug