Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About:
Software Use
Installation

Software Use

How do I get the ALU software?: ALU software is free and available to anyone, however you will need to request access to download the software from our Registration Page. After you submit your access request form you will receive an email and will be able to access the software by logging in at this website at any time. Go to "Download Software" on the menu for more details.
Is there a charge to download and use ALU software?: No, ALU software is free of charge and is available to the public.
Is ALU designed to work in any country?: Yes, ALU is designed to work in any country and accommodates a wide range of agricultural and land use practices.
Does ALU support languages other than English?: Currently, ALU software is only available in English, however the ALU Help Manual is available in both English and Chinese.
How will I know if a new version of ALU is available?: All registered users will be notified via email when a new version of ALU is released, along with a few short notes that describe the primary improvements in the software.

What are the basic computer requirements to install and run ALU?: The ALU program is compatible with Microsoft XP™, Vista™ Microsoft Windows 7.0™ operating systems. ALU software works with both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems.
Are there any software requirements to install and run ALU?: ALU software requires Adobe Acrobat Reader® Version 7 or later, in order to view the ALU Help Manual. You may also create reports in ALU, which requires Microsoft® Excel 2003 or later.
Do I need to manually uninstall a previous version of ALU before I attempt to install the latest version of ALU?: Previous versions of ALU usually do not need to be removed before installing a new version. However, a significant software change was made with Version 2.2.1.0 that requires ALU Versions less than 2.2.1.0 to first be manually removed.
If I've created databases using previous versions of ALU, will I be able to access them after I install the latest version of ALU?: Yes, you will be able to use databases that you've already created and no data will be lost when transitioning to a newer ALU version.