LEWISTON — Crystal Morris is looking for old computers — but not too old.

The Lewiston Regional Technical Center computer technology teacher instructs her high school students in how to repair donated computers. They are then given away to needy families at Longley Elementary School.

When Longley students and their families came in on a recent Monday to pick up the computers, the high school students acted as Internet technician. “The kids show (the younger students) how to use a mouse, do some typing, make pictures,” Morris said.

Seeing her students helping children “is very rewarding for me, and more so for the kids,” she said. “These kids have worked hard, struggling, trying to get these things fixed. They have to work at finding the drivers, the software that helps the devices work with the operating system. Sometimes that can take days. Sometimes they moan and groan.”

Student Scott Ouellette, who just completed his junior year and plans a career in technology, said giving computers to those who would otherwise go without was a bonus. “You get a good feeling, knowing it’s going to someone who could benefit,” he said.

In class, he learned how to install an operating system, basic trouble-shooting and the anatomy of a computer.

The technology class is mainly for juniors and seniors. The school also hosts a computer club. In both the class and the club, students learn how to repair, defrag and upgrade. Various businesses and organizations donate old computers. This year Morris received 60; her students repaired and gave away 40.

She will be accepting donated computers for classes this fall. Students can upgrade the computers if they run Windows 98 or a newer operating system.

“Anything older than a Windows 98 is really too old,” Morris said.

To contact Morris, call 795-4144, extension 2334.