John Chin wrote: >What kinds of tools and equipment (POST cards, SIMM >testers, DMMs, scopes and the like) would you recommend >we specify for testing and refurbishing 4-5 year old >"working" computers which may need to be upgraded >to multimedia, Win95 and Internet-capable computers? Nothing real fancy - Some decent computer tool kits from Radio Shack or the like will suffice. I would recommend purchasing a multiple user license for a program called TuffTest Pro. It is great for diagnosing problems and burning-in systems after upgrades. You'll want to get the loopback plugs for testing com/parrallel ports. Alternatively, you can have the students build them. Instructions and schematics come with TuffTest. If you have access to the web you can find more info at: www.tufftest.com This quote is from their site - "Thus, #1-TuffTEST-Pro can directly test major system components such as memory, fixed disk drives, diskette drives, serial & parallel ports, video, keyboard, etc. False positives and false negatives that can be induced by the system's native operating system are eliminated." >Also, are there any particular technical manuals, resources >or reference materials you would recommend? Stephen Bigelow has written several computer repair references that I have found invaluable. His books are well written and easy to understand. They cover from basic building to advanced troubleshooting of PCs. Just what you'd need for students. A quick search of www.amazon.com pulled 22 titles such as: Bigelow's Build Your Own PC Pocket Reference Bigelow's Computer Repair Toolkit Bigelow's PC Technician's Troubleshooting Pocket Reference Maintain and Repair Your Notebook, Palmtop, or Pen Computer I am not a paid employee of either of these companies. I have simply had good experience using these resources. Good Luck, Dave Souza