646: Navigating Tech Updates and Client Communications

In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts welcome listeners to their December show, tease upcoming Patreon episodes discussing managed service offerings, designing flyers using Canva and ChatGPT, and all-inclusive pricing with Tim Pearson. The episode touches on experiences with a Canva PDF rendering issue using the Preview app in MacOS, including troubleshooting steps with Adobe PDF engines. The hosts share client communication challenges about service rate negotiations and discuss the intricacies of pricing models and plan structures. Additional technical topics include a significant bug with Microsoft Auto Update renaming apps erratically, strategies for managing OnePassword memory prompts and passkey enrollments, and a tip-off from listeners about Backblaze's change in policy for iCloud Drive backups. They wrap up with amusing anecdotes from client interactions and discuss the complexities of web browsers and user understanding of tech terms.

00:00 Opening Banter and Introductions

00:25 Welcome to Command Control Power

01:40 Patreon Teasers and Managed Service Offerings

02:33 PDF Rendering Issues with Canva

07:53 Client Negotiations and Pricing Strategies

28:02 Reselling Services and Client Retention

30:53 Microsoft Auto Update Issues

34:04 Microsoft Auto Update Issues

34:42 Identifying the Problem

35:08 Known Issues and Workarounds

36:29 Installer Process and Conflicts

37:59 Disabling Auto Update

38:19 Microsoft's Response

39:04 Apple's Role in the Issue

39:43 Temporary Solutions

44:08 One Password Tips

53:32 Backup Solutions and Listener Feedback

01:01:20 Concluding Thoughts and Listener Stories

Best of CCP - 427: Guest Host - Tim Pearson of CreativeTechs

This week we welcome long time supporter of the show, Tim Pearson of Creative Techs.

Tim joins us as a co-host.

He talks about traveling on the ferry to do onsite work.

The group discusses the wildfires out west.

Tim shares a story about the time he made a mistake of wearing a Star Wars shirt, causing his meeting to go way overtime.

The group helps Tim with approaching a mistake he made in his business.

Jerry’s talks about the “Screwdriver Effect”

Getting fired by a client is a great opportunity to take another look at how you do things.

Everyone discusses MSP and contracts with clients.

How are the group members finding new work throughout the pandemic?

Sam explains how he started getting referrals from the Apple stores.

The group talks about the Apple Consultants Network program and its benefits.

What is everyone seeing regarding to employees coming back to the offices?

Some people work better in offices and some at home.

Do you have employees or paid friends?

639: Exploring macOS 26 (Tahoe) Updates, Apple Product Upgrades, and MDM Strategies

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

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

635: Adventures in Affiliate Limbo and the $37 Jackpot

In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts discuss their patron-only content, focusing on tech insights they share for members. They delve into affiliate marketing with Amazon, highlighting successes and challenges. They reveal frustrations with Amazon affiliates and share tricks to navigate these programs more effectively. They discuss reliability issues with Ubiquiti products, and methods to manage and troubleshoot home networking issues. The episode also touches upon data recovery services, emphasizing experiences with Drive Savers. Listeners get a mix of tech tips, troubleshooting hacks, and behind-the-scenes insights.

00:00 Introduction and Patron-Only Content Teaser

01:48 Amazon Affiliates Marketing Update

02:26 Challenges with Amazon Affiliates

03:46 Affiliate Marketing Strategies and Recommendations

19:33 Data Recovery Services and Experiences

29:28 Client Equipment Purchases and Vendor Relationships

31:06 Client Misunderstandings and Vendor Expectations

31:26 Dealing with Hardware Markups and Transparency

32:18 Client Insistence on Specific Products

33:01 Balancing Client Savings and Business Revenue

36:41 Technical Issues with Screen Sharing and Command Tab

39:09 Monitor Resolution and Better Display App

43:46 Residential Client WiFi Troubleshooting

47:09 Issues with ISP Equipment and Double NAT

50:55 Preview App and Text Edit Issues

52:30 Ending Support for Older Systems and Protocols

56:19 Conclusion and Patreon Support

633: A Latte About Apple: Commando, Convos, and Coffee

In this episode of Command Control Power, Joe and Sam catch up after attending a confidential Apple Technical Summit. They discuss the event’s highlights, including networking opportunities and technical presentations. Sam shares his experience improving a client's old IT setup, moving them to modern managed services and security practices. Joe dives into his quest for an ideal phone solution with group SMS capabilities, ultimately considering sticking with RingCentral due to recent features supported by AI. The episode also touches on the importance and challenges of maintaining high-quality internet service at a fair price and explores the potential environmental impact of AI note-taking.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts Reunion

00:15 NDA Event and Apple Summit

01:31 Networking and Connections

03:01 San Jose and Big Basin Adventures

06:18 Technical Summit Insights

09:12 Funny Poolside Moments

11:03 Caseless Phones and Engineering Marvels

16:31 Coffee Talk and AeroPress Trivia

25:22 Billing Challenges and Solutions

28:29 Client Negotiations and Agreement

28:55 Email Security and Phishing

29:52 Security Training and Awareness

31:30 New Client with Technical Debt

33:45 Managed Services Plan Pitch

37:41 AI in Client Communication

38:32 Phone Service Saga

51:34 Optimum Fiber and Internet Deals

56:49 Concluding Thoughts and Future Topics