604: Sync or Swim: Tales from the Technical Trenches

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In this episode, Joe Saponare and Jerry discuss dealing with common tech issues. Jerry shares his experience fixing his AirPods Pro charging problem, detailing his investigation and a strategy using contact cleaner. The conversation shifts to Synology updates, exploring the challenges of manually updating DSM firmware, and the discovery of missing auto updates. They also delve into the use of Unify's U7 Pro access points and troubleshooting Wi-Fi 7 signal issues, including tweaking the minimum RSSI settings for better connectivity. The hosts touch on email follow-up features in Apple Mail and share anecdotes about tech support challenges, giving practical advice and sharing insights into the tech consultancy landscape.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts

00:07 AirPods Pro Charging Issues

01:16 DIY Fixes and YouTube Solutions

04:26 Contact Cleaner Solution

10:18 Synology NAS Updates

18:13 MacBook Air Erase Troubleshooting

21:48 Community Support and Unify Devices

31:02 Exploring Hostify: Affordable Network Management

31:36 Unify's Potential Future Charges

32:22 WiFi 6 and 6GHz Connectivity Issues

33:08 Adjusting RSSI for Better WiFi Performance

34:56 WiFi 7 and Device Compatibility

36:23 Auto Optimization and Network Settings

39:59 Seasonal Business Trends and Client Behavior

44:05 Email Follow-ups and Communication Challenges

52:33 Phone Etiquette and Speakerphone Frustrations

54:52 iPhone Mirroring: A Helpful Feature

57:38 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

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

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

598: Joe Taps Out, Jerry and Sam Command-Control-Power Through

Joe Taps Out, Jerry and Sam Command Control Power Through

In this episode of Command Control Power, the hosts navigate through a mix of tech support comedy and genuine tips. Starting off with playful banter, they discuss personal anecdotes about parenting moments and work-life balance, leading to shout-outs for their Patreon supporters. They emphasize the importance of maintaining good relationships within the tech community and share experiences of dealing with challenging clients. Highlights include a disastrous printer ink spill at a friend's house during a firmware update, a complex data migration issue resolved with Carbon Copy Cloner, and amusing stories involving kids and tech. They wrap up with a light-hearted discussion on recent TV shows and personal achievements, setting the stage for their upcoming holiday message.

00:00 Introduction and Showbiz Banter

01:43 Patreon Shoutouts and Community Support

03:30 Consultancy Collaboration and Client Stories

06:56 Tech Purchases and Personal Updates

09:00 Mac Mini and Home Automation

16:10 Migration Assistant Troubles

27:47 Printer Password Predicament

28:34 Ink Spill Disaster

29:27 Cleaning Up the Mess

32:57 Firmware Update Success

36:03 Tech Troubles and Solutions

49:23 TV Show Recommendations

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

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

Best of CCP - Give Your Dough To The Baker

595: Unraveling Unifi: From Overseas Travels to Technical Troubles

In this episode of Command Control Power, the team delves into recent UniFi updates, touches on managing Sonos integrations, and shares on-the-ground troubleshooting experiences. Sam talks about his recent trip to China and Japan, where he experienced both work-related and leisure activities, stunning cityscapes, and unique cultural experiences. Dive into practical solutions for UniFi network setup, Wi-Fi optimization tips, and an intriguing look into Sam's efforts to manage a large-scale UniFi and Sonos deployment. They also explore unusual issues with mounting plates, power problems, and tips for effectively handling network gear. Join the conversation for an informative blend of tech insights and travel stories.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:43 Sam's Overseas Adventure

01:31 Exploring Tokyo's Unique Culture

06:45 Shanghai's People's Park and Atlas Obscura

08:57 UniFi and Sonos Updates

10:47 UniFi Home Office Upgrade

27:51 Wi-Fi Mysteries and Adjustments

29:19 Site Survey and Installation Challenges

30:16 Access Points Going Offline

32:38 Mounting Plate Issues

39:33 Power Cycling Solutions

48:42 Sonos and UniFi Best Practices

52:22 Conclusion and Patreon Promotion