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.

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

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

651: No Rest for the Techy as We Enter 2026

In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts discuss their busy schedules at the end of 2025 and their plans for the holiday season. Topics include the impact of year-end client projects, managing office breaks, and balancing personal time during the holidays. The conversation shifts to a timely warning about iPhone security while traveling, prompted by an article from Tidbits Content Network. A fascinating client story is shared involving the recovery of an old iCloud account trapped behind forgotten credentials. Another highlight includes a successful repair story from the Rossman Group, addressing a client's dead MacBook Pro battery. The hosts wrap up by exploring intriguing tech topics such as blocking issues in email aliases and innovative VPN solutions for connection bonding.

00:00 Introduction and Year-End Reflections

00:37 Holiday Plans and Workload Management

03:09 New Year Greetings and Travel Stories

04:39 iPhone Security Concerns While Traveling

06:50 NFC and QR Code Scams

11:00 Client Stories and Apple Support Experiences

18:01 The MacBook Pro Charger Dilemma

18:20 Resetting the SMC and Battery Issues

18:39 Recurring Revenue and Client Needs

20:11 Repair Challenges and Solutions

22:07 The Rossman Group to the Rescue

26:41 Gmail Sent Mail Mystery

32:14 Speedify VPN and Connection Bonding

33:40 Conclusion and Listener Appreciation

644: AI Concerns, and Workflow Solutions

In this episode of Command Control Power, hosts Sam and Jerry discuss a variety of topics. Sam shares his experience with a challenging data recovery case involving Carbonite and potential issues with restoring old photo libraries. The conversation then shifts to AI developments and concerns, including their implications on society, data security, and environmental impact. The hosts also provide valuable technical tips on folder sorting in Finder and delve into practical solutions for managing client workflows, with insights on using video and monthly service offerings. The show wraps up with a teaser for upcoming Patreon content featuring an intriguing problem with PDF rendering.

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Catch-Up

00:42 Drive Savers Data Recovery

02:04 Alternative Data Recovery Options

07:19 AI Tools and Browsers

11:12 AI Safety and Ethical Concerns

24:23 Financial Implications of AI

31:03 Photos Library Recovery Case

31:55 Troubleshooting a Mac Drive Issue

33:14 Seeking Advice from Colleagues

33:43 Exploring Solutions for Photo Library Management

35:04 Challenges with Client Communication

36:42 Backup and Storage Considerations

47:24 Pop Quiz: Sorting Folders in Finder

52:23 Patreon Teasers and Closing Remarks