Dictionary of Computer and Internet Terms: TCO (total cost of ownership)
TCO (total cost of ownership)
the complete cost of owning and using a machine during its useful life, including not only the cost of the machine itself, but also maintenance, repairs, and consumable supplies such as ink and paper.
A low-cost inkjet printer can have higher TCO, in the long run, than an expensive laser printer if its ink cartridges and special paper are relatively expensive.
