Command Control Power: Apple Tech Support & Business Talk

In this episode of Command Control Power, hosts welcome Adam Burg from CALSO Technologies to share his harrowing experience with the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California. Adam recounts the events leading up to the evacuation of his family, the destruction of their home, and their subsequent journey to recovery. He highlights the overwhelming support from the community, the importance of preparedness, and offers advice for ensuring business continuity in the face of natural disasters. The episode provides a detailed and emotional account of resilience and the power of community. https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-burg-family-after-the-eaton-fire-in-altadena   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:23 Adam's Tragic Experience in LA 01:22 Evacuation and Immediate Aftermath 03:10 Community Support and Personal Reflections 04:14 The Fire's Impact on Daily Life 05:07 Realization of the Fire's Severity 06:32 Evacuation Orders and Family Preparations 08:25 The Night of the Evacuation 10:27 Returning to the Devastation 18:58 Cleanup and Recovery Efforts 30:20 Architectural Heritage and Rebuilding 31:45 Life at the Hotel: Initial Experiences 32:56 Community and Support Among Families 34:26 Interactions with Firefighters 35:36 Challenges of Hotel Living 36:43 Emotional Impact on the Family 38:01 Reflections on Community and Support 39:28 Environmental Refugees and Climate Change 41:34 Insurance and Preparedness 47:10 Rebuilding and Client Support 55:00 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts Meet the community trying to save Altadena's history after the L.A. fires

In this episode of Command Control Power, Joe and Jerry discuss a range of topics related to recent changes in iOS, macOS, and Apple's overall ecosystem. They delve into the complexities introduced by incremental and major updates, particularly iOS 18 and Ventura, and how these updates impact their work with clients. They also explore the practicality of using features like cognitive accessibility, magic links for password replacement, and passkeys. Both share experiences with frustrating tech issues, such as incorrect autocorrections and overly complicated return policies for electronics. They reflect on how rising expectations from both users and shareholders drive the incessant introduction of new features and how this affects daily usage and tech support.   Introduction and Catching Up   Navigating iOS Changes Frustrations with Technology Updates Tech Tips and Tricks   Accessibility Features for Elderly Users Amazon Return Policy Changes Addigy and Migration Assistant Tips MagSafe Charging Challenges iCloud Backup vs Direct Transfer Cable Transfer Realities App Reinstallation Annoyances Authenticator Apps and Two-Factor Authentication Password Management Woes Magic Links vs Passwords Passkeys and Password Managers Apple's AI and Typing Frustrations Closing Thoughts and Client Engagement

In this episode of Command Control Power, Andy Espo from Call Andy Mac Consulting joins the discussion once again. The conversation kicks off with humorous banter about appearances and jackets before delving into serious tech talk. Andy shares the complexities of installing and upgrading network infrastructure in high-end residential projects, especially in challenging environments like old houses and concrete structures. He emphasizes the importance of discerning client relationships, meticulous planning, and ensuring proper execution by contractors. Andy also discusses strategies for building trust with clients, effective communication, and the shift towards managed services amid growing cybersecurity concerns. The episode concludes with insights on the importance of networking and building strategic partnerships with clients.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:41 High-End Residential Work 01:55 Challenges in Network Installations 04:47 WiFi Planning and Intuition 09:18 Client Education and Expectations 10:57 Working with Contractors 17:07 Common Wiring Issues 20:35 Ensuring Quality and Client Satisfaction 29:05 The Importance of Redundancy in Wiring 29:27 Challenges with Daisy Chaining and Switches 29:56 The Frustration of Poor Wiring in High-End Homes 31:01 The Impact of Construction Materials on WiFi Performance 32:42 The Shift to Managed Services and Cybersecurity 34:40 The Importance of Cyber Insurance 40:56 Efficiency Loss and Productivity in IT 45:30 The Art of Communicating Value to Clients 50:36 Building Strategic Partnerships 52:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Recorded live June 3, 2014 Tim Cook quoting Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, ZDNet: "With vulnerabilities such as Heartbleed and Pileup likely to go unpatched on tens, if not hundreds of millions of Android devices, the platform is fast becoming a toxic hellstew that should send chills down the spines of IT admins." Yosemite and iOS 8 initial impressions How the OS X Beta Program will affect us as Apple consultants; expect overzealous clients to call for help troubleshooting issues with pre-release software Family Sharing looks great for home users, but still no way to migrate purchases or merge Apple IDs Sam reports that AirDrop works between Yosemite and iOS 7 Joe reports that Apple Store is no longer accepting machines at the Genius Bar using "Quick Drop" Jerry reports that Genius Bar has been lenient when accepting machines from consultants on behalf of clients; no signed letter needed Difficulty offering help as a Consultant in the Apple Store; would be nice if Apple would more readily refer clients to us as they tend to be thrilled when they eventually do find us Joe had fun configuring an Automator workflow for a client referred (eventually) by the Apple Store The Craig Federighi Show from Jonathan Mann

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?

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.

In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts discuss a variety of topics including a nostalgic throwback to a wrestling match they attended, the latest release of the MacBook Pro with M5 chip, and the implications of larger storage options. They dive into the specifics of the new 'Launch Angels' folder found in macOS 14, differences in storage drives, and the practical uses of Google Gemini for locating a lost MacBook. Additionally, they highlight the pros and cons of Amazon purchases, and share personal stories involving client interactions and unique tech mishaps. The episode wraps up with a teaser for the next Patreon-only episode focusing on marketing strategies using Canva.   00:00 Introduction and Nostalgia 00:47 Wrestling Memories and Family Connections 01:58 New MacBook Pro with M5 Chip 06:03 Storage Needs and Solutions 14:09 Smart TVs vs. Apple TV 19:39 AirPods Pro Discussion 25:32 Meeting in Boulder and Casa Bonita 27:59 Planning Future Meetups 28:15 Discussing Canva and Managed Service Plans 28:40 Launch Angels Folder Discovery 31:41 Apple Music and Third-Party Services 32:46 Bluetooth Adapters for Airplanes 34:17 Amazon Purchases and Returns 40:10 Printer Ink Scams and Issues 51:05 Client Stories and AI Assistance 56:29 Conclusion and Patreon Promotion

In this episode of Command Control Power, Jerry discusses his recent experience in acquiring a rescue puppy and managing interactions between his pets. The hosts delve into challenges faced with client device management, particularly focusing on issues related to Apple's Jamf Pro and the importance of having full control over devices. They share various client anecdotes and mishaps, including managing clients' attempts to self-solve tech issues leading to greater problems. Additionally, the episode covers a significant mishap involving Jerry's mailing list being flooded with fake emails and subsequent data loss, emphasizing the necessity of backing up contact lists. The episode also teases upcoming content on using tools like Canva and GPT for marketing and drafting terms of service.   00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:39 Puppy Adoption Story 01:55 Client Troubles with Jamf Pro 07:42 Client Self-Management Issues 12:55 Printer and Network Troubles 19:38 Personal Tech Mishaps 23:25 Data Recovery Challenges 26:50 Client Communication Challenges 27:37 The Importance of Data Backup 28:49 Newsletter Management and MailChimp Issues 36:05 Dealing with Spam and Contact List Problems 40:41 Lessons Learned and Future Plans 49:32 Exploring Marketing Tools and Strategies 54:25 Conclusion and Patreon Promotion

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

  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

In this episode, the hosts of Command Control Power discuss a range of IT management topics including the challenges of scheduling in summer, handling client updates with Alectrona's Patch and Addigy's prebuilt apps, and the intricacies of using Microsoft Outlook. They explore the benefits and drawbacks of these different tools, including how to streamline updates and ensure clients' systems are running smoothly. The conversation also dives into hands-on experiences and technical steps for deploying effective IT solutions, backed by insights from their experiences and interactions with support teams. Additionally, new features like mobile application management in Intune are highlighted for their potential to enhance device security without full MDM enrollment. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the usefulness of different menu bar apps and support methods.   00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 00:11 Client Visits and Scheduling Challenges 01:42 SonicWall Upgrade Troubles 07:27 Beta Software Experiences 09:12 Patch and Software Updates 24:14 Understanding Prebuilt Apps and Configuration Profiles 24:59 Consolidating Management Platforms 25:46 Exploring New Products and Trials 26:31 Patch Management and Menu Bar Customization 29:33 Client Interaction and Support Strategies 38:33 Intune and Mobile Application Management 40:51 Outlook vs. Apple Mail 49:41 Wrapping Up and Patreon Support