Ravensthorpe Computers was founded by James Elliott (Jim), mid 1998. When he and his wife moved here at the end of 1997, Jim noted that there was an abundance of computers in this remote rural region but no one trained to look after them. He previously had many years of experience with computers, as a medical scientist in pathology laboratories, but no formal qualifications in computing or IT, so he went to Perth and completed a very intensive course in computer engineering which taught him what went on inside the box, and how to build, diagnose, upgrade, and repair computers.

Then he came back home to Ravy and launched Ravensthorpe Computers on the 1/07/1998. While operating his business, Jim completed an IT degree at Murdoch University, by distance education.

Alan Carmichael, who lives in the commercial premises on the corner of Morgans Street and Scott Street (see map on this site), is a good friend of Jim's and also a computer enthusiast, owning three computers and a laptop of his own. He also has over 7 years experience with Photoshop and digital photography, including competiton and contract work.

When the Elliotts left town, Alan was the obvious person to take over the repair work and day-to-day activities of Ravensthorpe Computers.

Jim commutes between Boddington, where he now lives, trading as WA Rural Computers, and Ravensthorpe. When he comes to town, he and Alan work together on the bigger jobs, particularly when setting up computer networks. When Jim is in Boddington, he and Alan keep in touch by VoIP, ICQ, e-mail, and remote access software - it is as if they work in the same building but in different rooms. If you cannot contact Alan, which is unusual, you can always call Jim on 08 9883 8178 and he will get a message to Alan or help you over the phone.

Our aim is to bring computer support, sales and services to the Shire of Ravensthorpe, at city prices. At $60 an hour our technical expertise is cheap compared with city labour charges, and our selling price for hardware is equal to or better than many of the big city stores, and even when we are the same price as these city stores, you get so much more when you buy locally: