The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) offers standard support for university owned macOS and Windows computer systems. For most applications these requirements will have a minimum effective life-cycle of five (5) years before considering replacement. All supported computer families are from the respective manufacturer's business-grade models offering improved support, and on-site service is provided when necessary.
Other model lines (e.g. Dell Inspiron, etc.) are designed for home users, not business, and obtaining service for them includes the possibility of extended wait times with vendor support, and/or the need to ship the device back to the manufacturer's repair center. It is usually not worth your time to purchase these models or attempt to obtain service, as the lower initial purchase cost is frequently offset by larger operational costs associated with support and maintenance over the lifespan of the device with the university.
Standard Computer Model Families
UAA's purchasing recommendations, and standardized computer models is based upon service arrangements. UAA IT Field Services is an Apple, and Dell authorized repair center enabling us to facilitate repairs, often times completing warranty repairs in our on-campus service area. When on-campus repair is not feasible/possible we are able to expedite the repair process. Arranging for service for other brands (e.g. Acer, Sony, etc.) will likely be very time-consuming and inconvenient at best. The following table documents current standard product manufacturers and model families.
UAA Supported Computer Families
| |
Apple |
Dell |
Microsoft |
| Desktop |
iMac
Mac mini |
Optiplex
Precision |
N/A |
| Laptop/Tablet |
MacBook Pro
MacBook Air
iPad |
Latitude
XPS
Precision
Chromebook |
note 1 |
Supported Computer Specifications
Within all computer models there are a wide range of optional features/accessories available. All standard computer models must meet the following minimum computer specifications.
Supported Computer Specifications
| |
Recommended |
Minimum* |
| Processor/CPU |
Intel Core i7, or Apple Silicon (e.g. M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max) |
Intel Core i5, or Apple Silicon (e.g. M1) |
| Memory/RAM |
16 GB |
8 GB |
| Storage/Hard Drive |
500 GB SSD |
256 GB SSD |
| Network |
Desktop: 10/100/1000 Base-T (required), Wi-Fi (optional)
Laptop/Tablet: Wi-Fi (required), 10/100/1000 Base-T (optional) |
| Other |
Bluetooth, Webcam (if laptop) |
| Operating System |
macOS, Windows Pro, Windows Enterprise |
| Warranty |
All systems must have a minimum 4-year, 5-year preferred, manufacture warranty |
| * The minimum processor, memory, and storage options are usually suitable for the immediate need at the time of purchase; however, it tends to have a shorter usable lifespan as business requirements change without some form of component upgrade. |
Warning
Home and consumer versions of Microsoft Windows (e.g. Windows S mode, Windows Home, etc.) are not supported!
note 1 - Microsoft Surface books and Surface Pro's purchased before May 1, 2022 and under warranty will be supported with no labor charges.
Need Additional Help or Report an Issue
For support, requests may be submitted anytime via a ticket using the appropriate University Computer Support service form. Requests generate a Ticket which will be worked in order received and urgency by the IT Employees with the knowledge and permissions to assist with the request.
For immediate assistance please review the Contact IT page for the appropriate support group.