I've had to change my career direction abit and must go back to college to get proper diplomas. I had been in university when I was 18 and had a student loan. After a complete breakdown and hospitalization I was diagnosed with bi-polr, althoughit took a few years. I didn't work much for a long time and in 1987 the federal government fprgave my loan, but I'm barred from ever getting student loans again. All of my classes also have online components to them. But my present computer is 9 years old. The battery is not working and the mother board is burnig out. I can only use it for a few minutes then it freezez. With tuition and books I haven't any money to buy even a cheap notebook computer. Is there any organization that could help getting a reliable one?

Who have you approached with this request and from there someone here might be able to guide you.

Have you asked friends or family, have you gotten a estimate to fix yours ( you don't need batteries, just use it plugged in)

Have you checked the cost of some at pawn shops or used on craigs list perhaps.

The one I am using right now is most likely close to 9 years old, old does not mean it is not usable

Also you can most likely go to local community centers, or library where you can use computers for free.