Suppose you work for a company that installs computer networks. Assume that you have been given the task of creating spreadsheets to generate cost estimates, not just for one customer, but for many different clients.

a. Create a spreadsheet to estimate hardware costs.

Assume that the user of the spreadsheet will enter the number of pieces of equipment and the standard cost for each type of equipment. Assume that the networks can include the following components:

wireless USB devices; wireless access points;

and network devices of two types, one faster and one slower, at two different prices. Also assume that the company will use both wired communications cable and optical fiber cable and that prices for cable are stated per foot.

b. Modify your spreadsheet to include labor costs.

Assume there is a fixed cost for the installation of each type of equipment and a per-foot cost for the installation of cable.

c. Give an example of how you might use this spreadsheet for planning network installations. Explain how you could adapt this spreadsheet for project tracking and billing purposes.