AdHocAlert desktop notification is one of several channels the University of Waterloo's emergency communication system, powered by Regroup, will use to distribute messages in the event of an emergency. When triggered, the AdHocAlert Desktop Notification software would cause a pop-up window to appear on the user’s desktop screen, displaying the emergency message. AdHocAlert supports Windows and MacOS devices. Installation guides for each are below.
Installation on Windows machines
To ensure a smooth installation, please connect to the on-campus network (or use the VPN if working remotely). At the end of the day, restart your computer to complete the installation of the AdHocAlert app.
IST/Faculty-managed machines
After AdHocAlert desktop notification for Windows has been pushed out, clients will be required to restart their machine and log back in again to complete the installation.
Non-managed machines
To install the latest version of the AdHocAlert desktop notification software on a workstation not managed by IST, complete the following steps.
Already have the tool installed? You must first quit the app before completing these steps.
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Double-click to run the extracted .EXE file to install.
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Select YES to the User Account Control window as local administrative privileges will be required to complete the installation.
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An installation window will appear, click Install.
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If promoted, leave Launch program box checked.
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Click Finish.
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After AdHocAlert desktop notification has been installed, clients will be required to restart their machine and log back in again to complete the installation.
AdHocAlert will not automatically update to the latest version, this will be a manual process. Note that emergency alerts will continue to be sent to older versions of the tool.
Managed machines outside of IST
If you are responsible for managing a group of machines outside of IST, you may request a package-based deployment version via Jira Service Management.
AdHocAlert will not automatically update to the latest version, this will be a manual process. Note that emergency alerts will continue to be sent to older versions of the tool.
Verifying installation
To ensure the AdHocAlert desktop notification tool is installed, look for the bell icon in the system tray.
Installation guide for MacOS
What is AdHocAlert desktop notification?
AdHocAlert desktop notification is one of several channels the University of Waterloo's emergency communication system, powered by Regroup, will use to distribute messages in the event of an emergency. When triggered, the AdHocAlert Desktop Notification software would cause a pop-up window to appear on the user’s desktop screen, displaying the emergency message. AdHocAlert supports Windows and MacOS devices.
Installation guide for MacOS
IST-managed macOS devices
The AdHocAlert desktop notification app is pushed out to all IST-managed macOS devices via Intune. AdhocAlert will be installed the next time the device checks in with Intune but users may choose to force with a check status.
Unmanaged macOS devices
To ensure a smooth installation, please connect to the on-campus network (or use the VPN if working remotely). At the end of the day, restart your computer to complete the installation of the AdHocAlert app.
If you already have AdHocAlert installed, please quit the app and uninstall it before proceeding with these steps.
- Click to download the .pkg file for the desktop client for macOS via the IST Knowledge Base article.
- Go to where you downloaded the client, e.g., Downloads, and double click on the file.
- Click Continue on the Introduction page.
- If prompted, select the destination disk where you want to install the app on, then click Continue.
- On the Installation Type page, click Install.
- Enter the password for the machine when prompted. Administrative privileges will be required to complete the installation. Then click Install Software.
- On the Summary page, click Close.
- You may choose to delete the installer or move to trash on the confirmation page.
- The installation process is now complete and the bell icon,
, will show in the task tray.
, will show in the task tray.Verifying installation
To ensure the AdHocAlert Desktop Notification is installed, look for the icon (bell) in the system tray.
Supported OS
AdHocAlert is available for all devices using MacOS 11 and above.