This includes the computer, monitor, network card, mouse, and other hardware as required. As part of the planning process, grantees may subdivide this section, so that the budgeting process can take into account different computing needs. The numbers, prices, and life cycle may vary depending on the type of user. More than one user can share a printer. Therefore, the number purchased is typically less than the number of computers.
Software includes all software installed on either network servers or desktop machines.
For each subcategory the numbers, prices, and life cycle may be different. Maintenance includes all annual service agreements and non-service agreement repairs for either hardware or software. If a department is installing a LAN for the first time or significantly expanding one, it should consult with technical personnel carefully to ensure that support costs are fully understood and budgeted. Contracted services are the computing and support services that are either better provided by a central computing organization or are too expensive to implement and manage locally. Provided as an attachment is a completed sample life cycle budget worksheet.