About Russ Harvey Consulting
COVID-19 Notice
Special protocols remain in place for on-site and other in-person services because prolonged close contact is unsafe for me.
Russ Harvey has operated Russ Harvey Consulting (RHC), providing computer and Internet services in Victoria, British Columbia since 1996.
Russ clears the confusion and responds quickly when the required information is given to him.— Deborah Ranchuk, White Mountain Publications
Computer Services
Russ offers computer-related services like troubleshooting, maintenance, installations and help with software.
Distance Services
Services provided in Greater Victoria includes on-site and in-shop consultations and repairs as well as access to services via phone or email.
Distance Services
Service outside Victoria is available via phone or email.
Support via virtual meeting software is also available.
Purchase Assistance: Providing Good Value
In the landscape of technology, change is constant and the terminology can be confusing to many.
Russ can help you or your business to evaluate the best options for new or upgraded computer hardware and software.
A Complete Solution
Rather than a standard “out of the box” computer, he works to provide his clients with software and hardware solutions that improve their experience, secure their data and enhance their productivity.
Security in the “Cloud”
Securing your data is no longer restricted to the computer. As technology moves into the “cloud” the risks are no longer within your direct control.
The web has resolved into a surveillance economy where your personal data and profile are commodities to be bought and sold without regard for your privacy.
Computer Help Desk
Large corporations and governments have centralized help desks to provide solutions to computer issues separate from the hardware or software vendor.
Now YOU have access to your own help desk service.
When you're having a problem with your computer or software, help is only a phone call or email away.
- Many issues can be quickly resolved over the phone.
- Email help supports screen captures and error codes, etc.
- More complex issues may require on-site or in-shop service (available in Greater Victoria only).
Because of scheduling and time zone differences, email may be preferable, at least initially for non-critical issues.
Russ seldom uses remote-access support because clients may not question malicious use of that technology (e.g., responding to an error message with a phone number).
Web Design
He can design an effective web presence or revise an existing site to modernize it and make it more accessible to mobile devices.
Russ has developed and maintained over 100 web sites and blogs dating back to the early days of the Web.
The Web has evolved a great deal over that time and people moved from desktop computers to mobile devices.
Russ has continued to invest in learning techniques and technologies that provide for a better experience for site visitors and therefore better conversion rates for businesses.
Customized Design
His websites aren't based upon external templates or themes.
He specializes in uncluttered hand-crafted sites that allow users to focus on your content rather than splashy layouts or anything that impairs the viewer's experience.
This makes site designs more durable — even as standards evolve.
Blogs
He can also customize blogs and alternatives.
This can provide a self-managed solution, although there are good reasons to examine whether this is the right fit.
Professional Writer
Russ, a professional writer, offers writing and editing services including copywriting for websites.
A Wide Range of Skills
Because Russ has been involved with technology since the early days of computers, he is familiar with a wide range of software and hardware.
Operating Systems
Russ's clients mostly run Microsoft Windows, but he has experience with many operating systems including macOS, iOS and Linux as well as older technologies like DOS, IBM OS/2 and eComStation.
He has worked with a broad range of software (both current and legacy) running on all of these operating systems.
Software Applications
Russ is familiar with many applications including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, graphics programs, web browsers, email software, text editors, FTP, security software, utilities and more.
Connections to Other Professionals
Russ maintains a network of creative and technical professionals including computer vendors, hardware repair services, hosting companies, ISPs and other resources.
The combination of a wide range of skills and a network of associated experts means that he can provide a better solution for you.