Personal Computer

Computer Recommendations

The Information Technology Department has developed recommended configurations for desktop and laptop computers as a guide for students purchasing computers to use while enrolled at Alliant.

Specifications are provided for Windows/PC-based desktop and laptop computers. Please note that university computer labs, and most academic departments, are Windows/PC-based rather than Apple.

Most classroom projectors and Smartboards utilize a VGA input, you will need an adapter if your computer does not have a VGA output.

VGA output on laptop

Phishing Emails

Phishing emails are an attempt from a hacker to get your account information. These emails will look similar to Alliant emails but will come from outside email addresses and will not have Alliant's official communication logos. These emails will either try to get you to respond with personal information or get you to click on a link which may infect your computer.

Alliant's Official Communication

Email messages from Alliant’s IT department will always have the same look and feel, so you will be able to discern official Alliant IT Department announcements from spam.

To verify that an email is from the Alliant IT Department, check that the following criteria are met:

First, email from the Alliant IT Department will come from the IT Announcement email account, [email protected].
Second, email from the Alliant IT Department will contain a small (2cm x 2cm) image indicating the severity of the announcement, placed directly after the comma in the greeting.
Finally, email from the Alliant IT Department will close with the words IT Department in bold followed by an image depicting the Alliant logo.