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This report outlines an approach to a methodology for evaluating high performance, reliable computers. The purpose of the methodology is to provide a framework and a basis for tool development that will make it possible to conduct such evaluations systematically and efficiently. The increasing complexities of high performance computer systems and the stringent requirement for high reliability in harsh environments (e.g., space) make such an evaluation methodology an absolute necessity. The report discusses sources of difficulty in evaluation, such as the many complexities of multiprocessing, the difficulty of distinguishing various factor (algorithms, software), operating systems, fault diagnostics, etc.) that affect performance and fault tolerance, the use of formal and experimental analyses, and the special problems of computer security. Criteria and suggestions are given for the design of unified working environments and specific classes of tools that support the methodology.