About
Tanarus Computer Solutions is owned and operated by Ken Reilly. Computers have always been an interest and a hobby my entire life. My very first computer was an Apple II, a very basic machine that featured a state-of-the-art two colour monitor. I was fascinated by the idea of programming these monstrous machines; I learned some very basic programming from books we had with the machine. I grew up with Commodore 64s and Windows 3.1 computers in elementary school, and I was chosen for their Computer Award when I graduated. Through high school, I never went a semester without taking some sort of computer course, whether keyboarding or programming or writing.
A friend told me about an opening for a computer repair position at Future Shop, back in August 2006, which I was hired on for. I quickly earned my CompTIA A+ certification, and received my CompTIA Network+ certification four years after. During my time working there, I provided assistance on Future Shop's "Tech Yeah!" online forums, helping customers all across Canada while taking care of my duties in store. I was recognized for these contributions during my tenure, earning multiple accolades including Employee of the Year over multiple years. However, as retail goes through cutbacks and restructuring, I was let go shortly after the start of 2014. With the experience gained from working there, and the trust I've built in the local community, I decided to start my own business, offering my expertise without the restrictions or overhead dictated by a retail chain. My business officially started in May of 2014.
Things were very slow for the first year or so. While I worked on building up my own clientele, a family friend informed me that VAM Computers, a local repair shop, was looking for an onsite technician. He was also friends with the owner there, and put in a good word for me. VAM had been my go-to computer place over the years, and I was more than excited to get the chance to help them out. As business continued, I was given the opportunity to work there full-time, filling their position of in-store technician as well. I gladly accepted, and continued to provide repair services there, even through COVID, until VAM Computers' untimely end in 2024.
The name 'Tanarus' comes from the name of an old computer game I read about in a magazine back in 1997. Though I've never actually played the game, the name really stuck with me; I've used it as an online pseudonym ever since. I've looked into it a little and found that the name is derived from the Celtic god of thunder Taranis. As much as I'd like to say I chose the name to say I'm a force as powerful as thunder against computer problems, I need to be honest: I just picked the name because it sounded cool.
Whenever I'm not sitting in front of a broken computer, I can be found playing games online (I'm pretty good at competitive Tetris!), or winding down with a hike around Island Lake.
Testimonials
"We are a mature couple so modern technology is not our forte. This is very frustrating since we are running a home based business; after having various people here to help us with our computer struggles we finally found Ken Reilly from Tanarus Computer Solutions. That was a turning point in our technological impairment journey. Ken is fast, efficient, courteous, prompt and reasonable. We no longer live in fear of our digital devices. We just call Ken and PRONTO - problems get solved."
Don & Agnes Gordon - Gordon Pet Services
-
"Ken Reilly of Tanarus is rated 5* in IT support. He put together an "Electronic Medical Record" for me which is comprised of mirror servers with high level security. With his direction, we use these PC servers with Mac client computers at each station. In that way I can access my old Mac system while using the more user-friendly PC -- on the same computer! Unlike many techies, Ken Reilly is able to "speak" Mac and PC.
Regarding his service -- he is prompt and also very available. My main Mac's main drive went down -- he was there within an hour. He took the computer away -- I had it back that night -- drive replaced, data and all interfaces re-established!
Rates are excellent. But the best -- Ken is patient and respectful. I am very fortunate to be one of his customers. I would not have been able to do this on my budget without him.
Nadine Locas MD