The Force Field Podcast

Episode 15 – The One Stop Shop

March 2, 2008 by Rick

This week we talk to a provider and learn how we can specialize and still be the primary source of products and services for our customers.

TechPodcasts Promo Tag :10
Intro 1:19
Billboard 1:37

News and Comment segment 4:22
SCO announced a plan to use a $100 million cash investment to pull the company out of bankruptcy and go private. For many in the Linux world, this means SCO has risen from the dead for one more fright like the monster in a B horror movie.

The Force Field is conducting a Trivia Contest during the months of February and March. If you are a regular listener of The Force Field podcast, you now have the chance to take your knowledge of the show and win prizes! All you have to do is listen to the podcast, log into The Force Field web site at theforcefield.net, click on The Force Field Podcast Trivia Contest link on the right sidebar and answer the ten trivia questions. If you answer all ten questions correctly you will be entered into a drawing to win a 1GB USB flash drive or an Nvidia partnerForce T-shirt! Enter The Force Field podcast Trivia Contest today and win! Contest ends March 31, 2008.

When I hold a meeting with our team of administrators on theforcefield.net, we need the ability to share our thoughts, ideas, and plans for The Force Field web portal both audibly and visually in real time. To accomplish this, we use GoToMeeting.Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomeeting.com/techpodcasts.

Microsoft announced a bid to buy Yahoo! February 1st. Yahoo! Initially rejected the offer but according to an article in The New York Post their board is now split on it, with some board members in favor of the purchase and Yahoo! CEO Jerry Yang and other board members against it. If the purchase is ultimately approved it would put both companies in a better position to compete with Google.

Commercial Break 1:00
Totally Cool Tech Podcast Promo :30

Caffination Podcast promo :30

Intro to Interview 1:5
If you offer IT solutions you know that it is difficult, if not impossible to have all the answers for all the questions from every one of your customers. Yet it is expected. The question is, do you want to know a lot about a few things or do you want to know a little about everything? Do you want sell and support a few products and services to your customers or offer an entire suite of solutions?

One Provider who does both is Todd Hughes, and he thinks you can too – by networking with your competitors.

This week we're going to talk to Todd and learn how we can both specialize and diversify our portfolios of products and services to meet the needs of our customers and profit from it all. We will learn how to collaborate with our competitors to be both a specialist and a general service provider and create our niche in the IT industry as The One Stop Shop.

Todd Hughes Interview 18:48

Wrap up and Close :46

Episode 14 – Insuring Your Business

March 2, 2008 by Rick

This week we talk to an insurance professional and discuss the need and importance of insuring your IT business.

TechPodcasts Promo Tag :10
Intro 1:20
Billboard 1:05

News and Comment segment 2:44
Cisco unveiled the new Nexus 7000 series switch today. Designed for data centers, the switch is the first of a new series of data center class switching products called the Cisco Nexus family.

Sam's Club, the wholesale company owned by big-box giant Wal-Mart, launched Sam's Club Online Services now offers a bundle of online services including design, marketing and website hosting.

Microsoft issued a security bulletin January 8 advising users of an important TCP/IP vulnerability in Windows which allows an attacker to send malicious packets and effectively take control of a compromised system. Last Friday the company updated the bulletin to include Windows Home Server and change the exploit from important to critical.

Commercial Break 1:01
Sponsored by PC-Doctor Service Center 6. 1-866-BUY PCDR. Mention The Force Field podcast for $49 discount. Offer good until January 31, 2008.

Intro to Interview 2:08
When starting a IT business one of the many costs to consider is insurance. Whether you have a home office or a retail store front, you will have liabilities and assets, and they will need to be insured.

There is one insurance company that specializes in covering the computer professional. The company is called TechInsurance and its President, Jim Cochran, focuses specifically on the IT industry to help techs find the coverage they need.

This week we are going to talk to Jim, learn about the different types of insurance available and find out how much insurance we really need or if we really need it at all.

Jim Cochran Interview 25:19

Wrap up and Close :46

Episode 13 – Tech Dispatch

March 2, 2008 by Rick

This week we talk with Jeremy Larson and learn how you can manage your calls and techs in the field by using the new web based work order system called TechDispatch.

TechPodcasts Promo Tag :10
Intro 1:24
Billboard :59

News and Comment segment 8:18
The Consumer Electronics Show was held in Las Vegas last week. The Force Field provided video coverage of CES to the public and members of The Force Field from January 7 through the 11. High Definition Video coverage provided by The TechPodcast Network, Geek News Central and Slashdot Review was featured on TheForceField.net throughout the event.The videos were hosted by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central and Andy McCaskey of Slashdot Review. They were accompanied by a camera crew to provide daily reports from the floor of CES.

Gizmodo, a web site dedicated to the news and reviews of tech gadgets, pulled a prank at CES last week that got a member of their video crew tossed from the show.

The CaffiNation PodCast, a show about Caffeine Culture & Technology News hosted by Paul Muller, will reach two milestones this month. It will be both the 2 year anniversary and the 200th episode of CaffiNation. To celebrate, Paul will conduct a contest for listeners of his podcast.

Bill Gates delivered what may be his last keynote at the opening of CES 2008 last week. During his keynote, Gates claimed that since the initial launch of Microsoft Windows Vista last year, over one hundred million Vista licenses were sold and one hundred million Vista users were surfing the web. On the surface that seems like a huge number and it is, but in a world with an estimated one billion PCs its relevance is not as impressive as he would have us believe. It may also not be accurate.

Ricks Tips 2:54
Using an eyeshadow applicator as a tool.

Commercial Break 1:01
Sponsored by PC Doctor Service Center 6. 1-866-BUY PCDR. Mention The Force Field podcast for $49 discount. Offer good until January 31, 2008.

Intro to Interview 1:37
Recently Jeremy Larson launched a web based application to manage work orders for one of the national contractors he services. Others became interested in using his system and on January 15, 2008 he expanded it to allow Providers everywhere to dispatch work to their techs in the field.

This week we are going to talk to Jeremy and learn about his system, find out how it works and how you can manage your calls and techs in the field by using the new web based work order system called TechDispatch.

Jeremy Larson Interview 11:33

Wrap up and Close :46

Episode 12 – 2007: The Year In Review

March 2, 2008 by Rick

This week we take a look back at the year 2007 and list a few events that both changed and shaped the present state of the IT industry.

Techpodcast Promo Tag :10
Intro 2:21

News and Comment segment 2:58
The United States Department of Transportation announced new rules to limit the transport of lithium batteries on commercial aircraft to take effect beginning January 1.

During the past month you have heard me talk about our experiences at TheForceField.net with GoToMeeting. We use it for presentations, tutorials and collaborative meetings to present ideas and plans for The Force Field web portal. Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomeeting.com/techpodcasts.

AOL announced last week that it will end development of Netscape Navigator.

Commercial Break 1:01
Sponsored by PC Doctor Service Center 6. 1-866-BUY PCDR. Mention The Force Field podcast for $49 discount. Offer good until January 31, 2008.

Intro to Review 1:41
Another year is at an end and what a year it was! Full of optimism and hope, pessimism and disappointment and everything in between. The tech world had peaks, plains and potholes all throughout the year and sometimes all at once.

This week we will take a look back at the year 2007 and list a few events that both changed and shaped the present state of the IT industry. You may laugh and you may cry or you may simply roll your eyes. But on one thing you will probably agree. It was a year that was all its own. Now, sit back, relax, and reflect as we take a final look back at 2007 – The Year In Review.

The Year In Review 15:06

Wrap up and Close :46

Comments, questions or suggestions? Send them in to comments@theforcefield.net. Feedback on this topic will be read by the host and included in future episodes of the show. Visit us at http://www.theforcefield.net !

http://media.techpodcasts.com/theforcefield/media.libsyn.com/media/theforcefield/The_Force_Field_12.mp3

Episode 11 – We Fix You

March 2, 2008 by Rick

This week we talk with Shane Bell and learn how he created a new services directory called wefixyou.com overnight, how he plans to profit from it and how you can profit from it too by using it to market your business by using the new dot com called We Fix You.

Techpodcast Promo Tag :10
Intro 2:03

News and Comment segment 3:58
Geek News Central hosted the first 24 hour podcast marathon in December to raise money for the One Laptop Per Child program. The Force Field was invited to participate and I signed on as a guest for half an hour from 10:30 PM to 11 PM Eastern. The entire 24 hour podcast marathon was released in segments beginning last week. You can download the segments at www.24hrpodcast.com. The Force Field is discussed in segment 16.

Last week we welcomed a new editor to The Force Field.net. On his first day as an editor I wanted to give him a quick tutorial on some of the powerful publishing features on The Force Field web site. So we set up a session with GoToMeeting. Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomeeting.com/techpodcasts.

Microsoft issued a warning last week advising users of a bug in Microsoft Windows Home Server that corrupts files used by certain applications. The flaw causes file corruption when they are loaded into the applications for editing and saved to the server. For more information reference Microsoft KB article 946676. Interestingly, they did not advise users against storing their files on Microsoft Windows Home Server.

Commercial Break 1:01
Sponsored by PC Doctor Service Center 6. 1-866-BUY PCDR. Mention The Force Field podcast for $49 discount. Offer good until January 31, 2008.

Intro to Interview 2:05
My favorite discussions are those with IT Professionals who innovate, push the envelope and do something different with the technology and their business because can be an inspiration to others to examine their own businesses and their potential to innovate as well.

This week we are going to talk to Shane Bell and learn how he created a new services directory called wefixyou.com overnight, how he plans to profit from it and how you can profit from it too by using it to market your business by using the new dot com called We Fix You.

Shane Bell Interview 21:13

Wrap up and Close :46

Episode 10 – What’s Your Favorite Tool? Redux

March 2, 2008 by Rick

This week we talk with four techs and ask what tool they use the most and why they depend on that tool to get the job done.

Techpodcast Promo Tag :10
Intro 3:51

News and Comment segment 3:53
The Force Field will be part of the first 24 hour podcast hosted by Geek News Central this week to raise money for charity. On December 21st at 6 AM Hawaiian Standard Time, Todd Cochrane, the host of the Geek News Central podcast, will start a live and interactive event that will last 24 hours. The event will raise money for the One Laptop Per Child program. Beginning December 21, 2007 Todd Cochrane will stream live from his Hawaii based Studio on www.Ustream.TV and will have interactive talk on www.TalkShoe.com. Rick Savoia, host of The Force Field podcast, is scheduled on as a guest from 10:30 to 11:00 PM Eastern.

One of my favorite tools to communicate with the administrators of TheForceField.Net is GoToMeeting. Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomeeting.com/techpodcasts.

Microsoft announced it would release a Release Candidate for Windows XP Service Pack 3 for download to the public on its web site December 18. Microsoft indicated that Service Pack 3 will be the last for Windows XP.

Commercial Break 1:01
Sponsored by PC Doctor Service Center 6. 1-866-BUY PCDR. Mention The Force Field podcast for $49 discount. Offer good until January 31, 2008.

Intro to Calls 1:27
This week we are going to poll the Providers and find out what tools they use and rely on the most to get the job done. We'll discuss their preferences and why they depend on that tool to complete the job to their customer's and their own satisfaction.

Renee Call 3:11
Chris Call 2:28
Kapi Call 1:33
Todd Call 8:53

Wrap up and Close :46

Episode 9 – You Know Jack

March 2, 2008 by Rick

This week we talk with Jack Barcroft, learn about his early days with OnForce, talk about his radio show and hear his views of where the IT service industry is heading in the next few years.

Techpodcast Promo Tag :10
Intro 3:51

News and Comment segment 3:53
Geek News Central plans to host the first 24 hour podcast marathon to raise money for the One Laptop Per Child program. Beginning December 21, 2007 Todd Cochrane will stream live from his Hawaii based Studio on www.Ustream.TV and will have interactive talk on www.TalkShoe.com.

Recently I held a meeting with our team of administrators on theforcefield.net. There was just one problem. We are spread out across the country and a physical meeting was out of the question. Fortunately, we had GoToMeeting. Try GotoMeeting free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.gotomeeting.com/techpodcasts.

Microsoft pulled its Free Vista and Office offer in its Windows Feedback Program December 11. The company said the reason for the early cancellation of the free offer was because “it had exhausted the supply of software”.

Commercial Break 1:01
Sponsored by PC Doctor Service Center 6. 1-866-BUY PCDR. Mention The Force Field podcast for $49 discount. Offer good until January 31, 2008.

Intro to Interview 1:27
From field service technician to Territory Sales Manager for OnForce, one would think Jack Barcroft has done it all. Now he is co-host of an new internet radio talk show called The Will and Jack Show. This week we are going to meet Jack Barcroft, learn about his early days with OnForce, talk about his radio show and hear his views of where the IT service industry is heading in the next few years.

Jack Barcroft Interview 20:56

Wrap up and Close :46

Episode 8 – The Computer Repair Business By Dan Hand

October 29, 2017March 2, 2008 by Rick

This week we talk with Dan Hand, a computer professional who wrote a new book about starting a computer repair business and discuss how the lessons he learned can benefit our businesses if we only apply them.

Techpodcast Promo Tag :10
Intro 3:51

News and Comment segment 2:39
Hitachi has announced a breakthrough in read-head technology for hard drives. Skype released version 3.6 of its popular internet software November 15, allowing users to send and receive High Quality video calls. Users can download the latest version of Skype at www.theforcefield.net. Microsoft confirmed a bug in their random number generator used in Windows XP.

Commercial Break 1:01
Sponsored by PC Doctor Service Center 6. 1-866-BUY PCDR. Mention The Force Field podcast for $49 discount. Offer good until January 31, 2008.

Intro to Interview 1:20
Whether you are currently in the computer business or just thinking about starting one, you want to make the most of every resource available to increase the chances of its profit and success. One resource which could be prove to be a great asset to computer repair businesses is a new book called Computer Repair Business: Lessons Learned by Daniel Hand. How to start and run your own business. A comprehensive strategy by an experienced pro. It is currently available on his website at www.computerrepairbusiness.net and on our web site at www.theforcefield.net.

This week we are going to talk to Dan, find out how he became successful in the computer business and how the lessons he learned can benefit our businesses – if we only apply them.

Dan Hand Interview 20:05

Wrap up and Close :47

Episode 7 – The Women of IT

March 2, 2008 by Rick

This week we talk with two female techs and ask them what it is like to work in a field dominated by males.

Intro 1:19
Billboard 2:27

News and Comment segment 2:37
Apple recently pushed a firmware update for the iPhone to disable hacks which allowed users to choose other service carriers. The position of Apple to lock users into proprietary service is somewhat ironic given Steve Jobs' recent stand against DRM.

Commercial Break 1:00
Sponsored by PC Doctor Service Center 6. 1-866-BUY PCDR. Mention The Force Field podcast for $49 discount. Offer good until November 15.

Intro to calls 1:54
The IT industry is one that is dominated by males. When you think about the term “technician” it is generally associated with “IT guy”. But there is a small, yet growing subset of the field populated by those of the female persuasion. They are smart, capable and work right along with, and often in competition with, their male counterparts. This week we are going to talk to two of them, each with their own view of and experience in the IT field. Are their experiences in the industry unique to them individually or are they shared by members of their gender as a whole? We will find out, as we sit down to talk with the Women of IT.

Renee Interview 7:15
Kapi Interview 12:35

Wrap up and Close :46

Episode 6 – What’s In Your Toolkit?

March 2, 2008 by Rick

This week we talk with four techs and ask them about their favorite tool.

Intro 1:21
Billboard 1:15

News and Comment segment 7:15
A shortage of AMD processors has system builders across the country in distress. A growing number of companies who build white box systems report that AMD processors are scarce or completely unavailable as many SKUs are on backorder from distributors until further notice. A few attribute this shortage to typical end of year depletion in inventory but many blame it for one specific reason on one specific company : Dell.

Commercial Break 1:00
Get Great Web Hosting at GoDaddy.com and save 10%! Listen for the discount code in the show. GoDaddy.com 1:00

Intro to calls 1:08
Every Service Provider performs their job based on what skills they have, what procedures best work for them and what methods they are most confident using. We are going to poll the Providers and ask the question “What’s your favorite tool?”

Steve Call 2:12
Woody Call 5:26
Paul Call 2:09
Dave Call 1:21

Giveaway Drawing and The Force Field Logo Contest Winners 2:24

Wrap up and Close :51

http://media.techpodcasts.com/theforcefield/traffic.libsyn.com/media/theforcefield/The_Force_Field_6.mp3