Windows Server 2008 vs. Windows 7
JohnnyBiggles
Member Posts: 273
A few questions:
1) Is Server 2008 the equivalent to Windows 7 when it comes to software versions? For example, if I have Server 2008 installed and I want to install a program or even a game, when buying or downloading would I choose Windows 7, Vista, XP, all of the above, or none of the above (when Server 2008 is not an option)?
2) How compatible is it with XP based software? More than Vista?
3) Can you dual boot between XP Pro and Server 2008? Is it necessary?
I ask these questions because I plan to go for some MCITP certs in the future and get Server 2008, but I only have one PC to work with right now and could use a fresh upgrade (or a clean re-install, at least) on my XP system I'm currently using using the heck out of it and don't want to lose too much - if any - functionality with it nor interfere with anything by upgrading to Server 2008, which will be primarily installed to play with and learn. But if it's just a super-beefed-up version of Windows 7 and accepts all my old/new software I'm using now on XP, perhaps I should just use 2008 only? Can anyone offer suggestions?
1) Is Server 2008 the equivalent to Windows 7 when it comes to software versions? For example, if I have Server 2008 installed and I want to install a program or even a game, when buying or downloading would I choose Windows 7, Vista, XP, all of the above, or none of the above (when Server 2008 is not an option)?
2) How compatible is it with XP based software? More than Vista?
3) Can you dual boot between XP Pro and Server 2008? Is it necessary?
I ask these questions because I plan to go for some MCITP certs in the future and get Server 2008, but I only have one PC to work with right now and could use a fresh upgrade (or a clean re-install, at least) on my XP system I'm currently using using the heck out of it and don't want to lose too much - if any - functionality with it nor interfere with anything by upgrading to Server 2008, which will be primarily installed to play with and learn. But if it's just a super-beefed-up version of Windows 7 and accepts all my old/new software I'm using now on XP, perhaps I should just use 2008 only? Can anyone offer suggestions?
Comments
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RobertKaucher Member Posts: 4,299 ■■■■■■■■■■You would want to use VMware Player or VirtualBox. No need to dual boot or anything like that. With the release of WIndows 7 and Server 2008 R2 the 2 OSes share a kernel for the first time in a few generations. So in theory anything that works on Windows 7 should also work under Server 2008 R2. But none of that should matter much if you are using virtualization.
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Zartanasaurus Member Posts: 2,008 ■■■■■■■■■□1) 2008 R2is equivalent to Windows 7. 2008 would be Vista. They should all be relatively equivalent. Why are you installing games on Server 2008?Currently reading:
IPSec VPN Design 44%
Mastering VMWare vSphere 5 42.8% -
JohnnyBiggles Member Posts: 273Zartanasaurus wrote: »1) 2008 R2is equivalent to Windows 7. 2008 would be Vista. They should all be relatively equivalent. Why are you installing games on Server 2008?
As I said, this would be my main PC to use for everyday tasks and for exploring/learning Server 2008 (R2). I was asking if it would be possible/sensible to do both, since this is the only PC I have available. -
RobertKaucher Member Posts: 4,299 ■■■■■■■■■■JohnnyBiggles wrote: »As I said, this would be my main PC to use for everyday tasks and for exploring/learning Server 2008 (R2). I was asking if it would be possible/sensible to do both, since this is the only PC I have available.
The server OS is optimized for throughput, not for running local applications like games. You need virtualization technology - not the ability to run games on the server OS. -
JohnnyBiggles Member Posts: 273RobertKaucher wrote: »The server OS is optimized for throughput, not for running local applications like games. You need virtualization technology - not the ability to run games on the server OS.
Can you run games on Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard Edition - Overclock.net - Overclocking.net
which led me to this:
Convert your Windows Server 2008 R2 to a Workstation! -
FYI, I'm not necessarily going to be using it as a gaming PC per se, I just wanted to know how possible it would be to use it as an everyday computer to do such things as browsing the interenet, watch DVDs, YouTube, run utility & conversion programs, Photoshop, multitasking, etc., with an added bonus of being able to run higher powered graphical apps I currently use sometimes and a bigger added bonus of having the Server features & functionality available. -
simtech Member Posts: 213If you just want to explore Server 2008 R2, I'd suggest to use VMWare or Virtual Box. Put win 7 on your pc, install the vm, then put 2K8 R2 in the vm. This way you can do you normal stuff with win 7, then turn on vm to play with 2k8 R2
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Ch@rl!3m0ng Member Posts: 139I agree wit Simtech. Either that or use win7 and dare i say it virtual PC. This way the normal everyday use can be used on your win 7 or even XP machine. The use viratul PC or VMware to practice your server stuff on.
Its what i did till i got my own server. (Sad but true):DCurrently reading: Syngress Linux + and code academy website (Java and Python modules)
"All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved." - Sun Tzu, 'The Art of War' -
bdub Member Posts: 154I completely disagree with above statements. Currently I am running Server 2008 R2 as my desktop OS with the Hyper-v server role installed. I am running 8 VM's currently and still have 6gb (out 16gb) of ram free which allows me to continue to use my computer for daily tasks and as a lab.
So far every piece of software I have tried that I used with Win7 works on 2008 R2.
I dont see why anyone would want to run an inferior product like vmware workstation over doing it this way. vmware workstation etc... are not hypervisors and are slow, you're also not going to be able to build a very good lab for these exams without using an actual hypervisor. -
crrussell3 Member Posts: 561Ch@rl!3m0ng wrote: »I agree wit Simtech. Either that or use win7 and dare i say it virtual PC. This way the normal everyday use can be used on your win 7 or even XP machine. The use viratul PC or VMware to practice your server stuff on.
Its what i did till i got my own server. (Sad but true):D
You cannot use Virtual PC with Server 2008 R2, as it doesn't support 64 bit guest OS. You will need to use Virtual Box or VMPlayer/Desktop.MCTS: Windows Vista, Configuration
MCTS: Windows WS08 Active Directory, Configuration -
Krunchi Member Posts: 237Just use a VHD and Duel Boot Win7 and Server 2008 R2 and use Hyper-V if you don't wanna pay for VM-Ware.
Hyper-V work's just fine for labbing.Certifications: A+,Net+,MCTS-620,640,642,643,659,MCITP-622,623,646,647,MCSE-246 -
Ch@rl!3m0ng Member Posts: 139crrussell3 wrote: »You cannot use Virtual PC with Server 2008 R2, as it doesn't support 64 bit guest OS. You will need to use Virtual Box or VMPlayer/Desktop.
Sorry my bad. Was sat reading my ms press book for the 643 and it says to use Virtual PC
Not used it myself as have a esxi box.Currently reading: Syngress Linux + and code academy website (Java and Python modules)
"All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved." - Sun Tzu, 'The Art of War' -
RobertKaucher Member Posts: 4,299 ■■■■■■■■■■You can get away with using it for non-R2 installations.