Your friend Ron has asked for your help in buying a home computer. He intends to use the computer for word processing, email, entertainment, and Internet access. He wants your advice about how much he should budget for a home personal computer.

• What is a realistic amount Ron should expect to spend, both at the time of initial purchase and over the next four years of ownership? Use catalogs, articles in online or print computer magazines, and vendor websites to find the TCO for Ron's new computer

• Design a sample budget that shows your recommended initial expenditure and the annual cost for the next four years. Break down the costs by the categories described in the TCO section of the lesson. Show the total cost of ownership over the four years that Ron plans to own the computer.