603: Navigating Modern Hardware Challenges and NDAA Compliance: A Conversation with John Moder Of Creative Techs
Command Control Power • Apple Tech Support & Business Talk
Release Date: 02/04/2025
620: From Rooftops in Spain to QuickBooks User Pains
Command Control Power • Apple Tech Support & Business Talk
In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts discuss recent events including a vacation and the ACEs conference. They dive into a detailed troubleshooting story involving QuickBooks server issues and explore the challenges associated with setting up Windows PCs and QuickBooks for clients. Additional topics include managing one password admin access for clients and a debate over using cases for Macs. The episode also highlights the 10th anniversary of the Mac Admins community and offers useful insights for managed service providers. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:08 Vacation...
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619: Mac Misfires, Backblaze Blues, and the Cost of Bad Support
Command Control Power • Apple Tech Support & Business Talk
In this episode, the hosts of Command Control Power discuss their personal lives and tech experiences, including outdoor activities and everyday tech issues. They delve into a peculiar issue one encountered with a MacBook Pro during an update, which turned out to be related to Dell Display Manager. The conversation also covers Backblaze backup anomalies, Apple's migration assistant quirks, and problematic customer service interactions with vendors like Microsoft and RingCentral. To wrap up, the team reflects on the importance of considering user behavior in quality assurance for tech products...
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Best Of CCP - 288: Shoehorns, Straight Jackets & Ducktape
Command Control Power • Apple Tech Support & Business Talk
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.
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617: Interview with Adam Engst: Navigating AI, Tech Ethics, and Business Models
Command Control Power • Apple Tech Support & Business Talk
Interview with Adam Engst: Navigating AI, Tech Ethics, and Business Models The hosts of Command Control Power are joined by Adam Engst of Tidbits Content Network for a wide-ranging discussion on the state of AI, the ethics of technology in business, and how evolving business models are influencing content creation. Topics include the 35th anniversary of Tidbits, the importance of maintaining human decency in business practices, the future of AI-based answer engines compared to traditional search engines, and the need for businesses to develop AI policies. Engst also shares personal...
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616: Backblaze Blues, Alectrona Patch Updates & the MacBook Air That Took Flight
Command Control Power • Apple Tech Support & Business Talk
The hosts of Command Control Power discuss recent issues with Backblaze, including failed updates and poor communication, which have eroded trust among users. They delve into the technical struggles with Apple's update processes and highlight improvements to the Electronic Patch software. Jerry shares a personal story about accidentally leaving his MacBook Air on top of his car and the ensuing repair saga, illustrating the importance of awareness and preparedness in the IT field. The episode wraps up with a reflection on the frustrations and foibles that come with managing tech in...
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615: Boutique Consultancy: Balancing High-Touch Service and Growth
Command Control Power • Apple Tech Support & Business Talk
Boutique Consultancy: Balancing High-Touch Service and Growth In this episode, the discussion revolves around the concept of boutique consultancy, highlighting the benefits of providing a personalized, high-touch service over rapid, automated responses. The conversation delves into the comparison between boutique firms and large-scale competitors, focusing on client satisfaction versus cost-saving strategies. Drawing parallels to Apple's business approach, the discussion extends to the evolution of consulting within the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of intelligent strategy...
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614: Navigating AI in IT Consulting: Insights from Michael Thomsen of Origin 84
Command Control Power • Apple Tech Support & Business Talk
Navigating AI in IT Consulting: Insights from Michael Thomsen In this episode of Command Control Power, hosts welcome Michael Thomsen of Origin 84, dialing in from Australia. Michael shares critical insights into the use of AI in IT consulting. Topics range from the pros and cons of binge-listening to tech podcasts to the practical uses of AI tools like ChatGPT and Google's Gemini. Michael emphasizes the importance of balancing automation with human interaction, sharing examples of how AI can enhance efficiency, such as generating meeting summaries, handling complex client requests, and...
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613: Inside the World of IT: Daily Challenges and Unlikely Solutions
Command Control Power • Apple Tech Support & Business Talk
In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts discuss several interesting and challenging situations they’ve encountered. They start by encouraging listeners to support them on Patreon for additional content, including unedited YouTube broadcasts. The main discussions cover a range of topics: the idea of maintaining up-to-date hardware for clients, how to strategically manage old equipment, and the peculiar case of a client getting inundated with spam emails likely as a cover for fraudulent activities involving a Best Buy purchase. They explore possible solutions and share their...
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Best Of CCP - 020: Client Anecdotes & Rates
Command Control Power • Apple Tech Support & Business Talk
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, they discuss technical support issues both with the technology and working with clients.
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611: Breaking Bad-Blaze
Command Control Power • Apple Tech Support & Business Talk
Join us for an engaging episode of Command Control Power as Jerry reports live from a beautiful chapel in Paris. He shares his travel experiences in the city, the challenges of walking and navigating with Apple Maps, and the frustrations with iPhone battery life. The conversation then shifts to a deep dive into tech issues, including a detailed discussion on the recent woes with Backblaze's backups, Apple's AI shortcomings, and how customer feedback plays a role in tech improvement. Tune in for insights, tech tips, and a few laughs along the way.
info_outlineNavigating Modern Hardware Challenges and NDAA Compliance: A Conversation with John Moder
In this episode of Command Control Power, returning guest John Moder joins the hosts to discuss a variety of topics ranging from hardware issues with the latest generation of MacBooks to the intricacies of NDAA compliance concerning network hardware. John shares his experiences with the transition from an Intel MacBook to an M4 Max, highlighting issues with USB power and hubs. The conversation also takes a deep dive into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and its implications for network security, especially concerning Ubiquiti devices. John provides insights into the process of obtaining compliance certification from Ubiquiti, emphasizing the complexities involved. Alongside the technical discussions, John shares personal anecdotes about his career journey, owning a remote campground during the pandemic, and his current role with Creative Techs. This episode serves as an insightful resource for consultants and tech enthusiasts navigating the ever-evolving landscape of hardware and security compliance.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back, John Moder!
00:16 Tech Troubles: USB Issues with New MacBooks
01:56 John's Experience with USB Hubs and MacBook
03:34 Solutions and Frustrations with USB Connectivity
08:51 John's Career Journey: From Tech to Campground Owner
09:36 Pandemic Impact and Campground Challenges
12:02 Life at the Campground: The Reality Sets In
18:44 Transitioning Back: RV Adventures and Remote Work
22:05 The High Costs and Logistics of RV Living
23:23 The Challenges of RV Maintenance and Repairs
25:14 Transitioning to a Stable Home Life
26:10 A New Career in Education Technology
26:52 The Reality of Working in Education
27:28 Returning to Consulting and Remote Work
35:26 Navigating Government Compliance in Tech
35:57 The Complexity of NDAA Compliance
37:56 Ubiquiti's Compliance Process
48:23 Final Thoughts and Reflections