Expenditure on computer systems does not stop with the initial purchase of the hardware and software. Various computer supplies and consumables are needed to keep a computer system operating. These include:

• paper for printers, photocopiers and fax machines
• ink and toner for printers, photocopiers and fax machines
• lubrication oil for various machines with moving parts
• spare replacement parts for various items
• storage disks of various kinds, such as floppy disks, tapes and CDs
• cables of various kinds
• cleaning materials
• tools for maintenance purposes