2002 Saturn SL2 Car has problems starting.

This is my car but I am up at school with out it. My mother uses it to take to work regularly and it runs like a charm. Recently this week, it has had problems starting/staying idling. What happens in the electronics in the car do not operate, or even show up like the clock. This was the first attempt to start. The next attempt to turn the car over, the service engine soon light came on and the dash board lit up. The third attempt the car started up but the clock and what not did not operate. My mother was able to drive it back home but didn't know what was wrong with it so she let it sit. After a week of running normally, the engine is having issues idling after you turn the key and the engine ignites. It idles up to about 3000 rpm s and then shuts off. I am thinking it may be the on board computer going bad but I haven't been able to take a look at it being in school and all. If anyone has a thought of what I can do or some ideas please let me know. I will post other symptoms up when I get a chance to see them first hand.