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603: Navigating Modern Hardware Challenges and NDAA Compliance: A Conversation with John Moder Of Creative Tech

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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

602: Tech Tantrums: When Siri and Bluehost Team Up to Test Your Patience

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In this episode of Command Control Power, Joe dives into various tech frustrations, starting with longstanding complaints about Siri's inefficiencies that even die-hard Apple fans acknowledge. The discussion pivots to the troubles faced after switching from a MacBook Air to a MacBook Pro, including stability issues and slower wake times. Joe shares a recent ordeal with a client's Bluehost account where an email disruption led to a series of frustrating support calls, tying up days of his time. Technical missteps and inefficient customer service compounded the problem, leading to an exasperating experience. The conversation also touches on alternative tech like the Meshtastic & LoRa system for peer-to-peer text communications during grid-down scenarios. The episode wraps up with reflections on the toll such tech issues take on professionals and a call for listener experiences with better hosting solutions and emerging tech.

00:00 Introduction and Siri Complaints

00:33 Switching to MacBook Pro: Initial Impressions

01:01 Technical Issues with MacBook Pro

01:55 USB-C Cable Troubleshooting

03:21 Monitor and Display Problems

07:25 Apple's Expensive Solutions

08:57 One Password and Captcha Issues

11:16 Bluehost Email Troubles

25:02 A Series of Missteps

25:41 Holding It Together

26:12 The Restore Process

26:41 Client Frustrations

27:22 Website and Email Issues

30:13 Bluehost's Role

35:53 Support Challenges

44:56 Exploring Mesh Networks

52:48 Concluding Thoughts

601: Siri vs. Sonos: Who's Winning This Dysfunctional Family Feud

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601: Siri vs. Sonos: Who's Winning This Dysfunctional Family Feud

In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts catch up and discuss various tech-related issues and solutions. They talk about frustrations with recording time and system speed, debates about show recommendations, and experiences with Siri's unreliable commands. They also delve into issues with Amazon Prime's fast-forwarding function and Sonos speaker system glitches. Topics shift to technical support anecdotes involving Synology power supply failures, the challenges of maintaining home networks, and recommendations for power control devices like watt boxes. The episode wraps up with a discussion about the shrinking market for FireWire 800 to Thunderbolt adapters.

00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter

00:41 TV Show Discussions and Opinions

01:43 Frustrations with Amazon Prime and Siri

04:37 Sonos and Home Automation Challenges

06:08 Client Network Setup and Coordination

10:01 Sonos Reboot Issues and Networking Behavior

13:55 HomePod and Sonos Comparisons

19:06 WiFi Networks and Home Automation

23:38 Alexa Switches and IOT Network Segregation

24:22 Optimizing IOT Device Connectivity

24:41 Ring Cameras and Network Configuration

27:40 Synology and SonicWall Power Supply Issues

34:38 Remote Control Solutions for Network Devices

42:09 The Value of Legacy Adapters

43:54 Conclusion and Patreon Invitation

597: Caught in the Cloud: Backup Battles and Cyber Scams

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In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts delve into various technical and customer service issues they have encountered recently. They start with a detailed rant about Backblaze’s abrupt change in their prorated refund policy, which affected the way they manage client licenses. The conversation shifts to issues with Amazon's high-value electronics return policy, and Sam shares a frustrating story about dealing with a delayed and ultimately lost iPhone shipment. Joe recounts a complicated man-in-the-middle scam involving Microsoft 365 and Dropbox, highlighting the challenges of protecting clients from evolving security threats. The episode ends with a discussion about Apple Business Connect and their stringent logo approval process, and a short review of the action-packed movie 'The Beekeeper'.

00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks

00:08 Customer Support Rant: Backblaze Experience

01:26 Policy Changes and Their Impact

03:34 Challenges with Backblaze Services

12:09 Affiliate Program Issues

16:21 Amazon Return Policy Frustrations

21:26 iPhone Delivery Nightmare

27:37 AppleCare Plus Trade-In Saga

30:11 AI Response and Trade-In Deals

31:12 Apple Business Connect Webinar

33:10 Logo Upload Struggles

37:08 Verified Logo Program

41:24 Microsoft and Dropbox Scam

48:51 Scam Prevention and Security Measures

01:00:13 Scams from Nigeria and India

01:02:04 Conclusion and Movie Recommendation