Spec me a cheap server for my Windows Server 2008 Course?

tommytinkle · 3 Oct 2010 at 21:01

Hey

I'm about to start learning windows server 2008 and have been thinking it might be a good idea to have a system to practice on at home. Can anyone spec me a likely to be cheap capable pc? I gather from trying to install it on an old p4 that its only happy with 64 bit hardware.

I had thought of installing it on a laptop but wonder if that would cause any issues?

Thanks.

tommytinkle · 3 Oct 2010 at 21:33

Hi

Are either of these free to use? I saw VMware but its only a trial?

Still tempted by some sort of seperate server though!

tommytinkle · 3 Oct 2010 at 21:53

Hi,

Are you referring to VMware server or is there a seperate VMware? I have the choice of a desktop or laptop to run it on - would the laptop be ok (T9300, 3gb ram)

Thank you.

tommytinkle · 4 Oct 2010 at 12:09

rexehuk said:
Are you a student...? If so you can get windows server 2008 / R2 for free. www.dreamspark.com < awesome website.

Hi,

This is why I want hardware suggestions or ideas - I want to install it for practice and experimentation for my certification

tommytinkle · 4 Oct 2010 at 13:59

cokecan72 said:
You still have to install it like you would on bare metal with a virtual environment

If you're still looking at hardware then this thread may help: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18178720

Good suggestions for cheap/robust servers

Your first line confuses me. As far as I was aware - blank hard drive, install and away we go - just as you would with any other windows install?

I want to get a few cheap switches, and experiment with some old pc hardware to properly learn the ins and outs of this stuff.

tommytinkle · 5 Oct 2010 at 16:10

Thanks for the replies, am downloading virtualbox as we speak!

Will post back with how I get on.

tommytinkle · 5 Oct 2010 at 18:52

rexehuk said:
If you need help getting it running ill let you know of the settings to enable... as it can be a bit fussy.

Infact I'll post them now...

General

OS: Windows
Version: Windows 2008 64 BIT

System

Mobo
Base Memory: 1024
Extended Features: IO APIC

Processor
1 Core
Extended Features: Enable PAE/NX

Acceleration
Enable VT-x/AMD-V
Enable Nested Paging (Turn on if you want)

Storage

Point your CD drive to the IMAGE for 2008 R2

Should be all you need, if successful your virtual machine will boot up and ask to press any key to boot from CD.

Hey,

Thanks a lot for the above information. I now have a virtual 2008 server, which at the very least is useful for practice

May look into getting a few cheap older bits and pieces to create a proper one in time

I've also got to touch on ubuntu server though, I take it this program will be capable of this too?

Thanks again.

tommytinkle · 7 Oct 2010 at 12:43

Hey

Thanks for the replies and all your help - I managed by following settings posted in this thread which really helped

So thanks a lot

tommytinkle · 9 Oct 2010 at 16:06

SiriusB said:
The beauty of using VirtualBox [or any VM software] is it allows you to save snapshots. Think of it is a sort of System Restore. So if you royally arse something up, you can roll back to the snapshot and everything will be the way it was - no need to reinstall etc.

Also, for learning purposes, Server 2008 will be under virtually zero load, so you can run several copies on one machine with very minimal resources. I am doing a Windows Server 2008 self pace training kit and already have 2 Server 2008 VMs and come clients. All can run at the same time without issue!

Hey

What spec pc are you doing all of this on?

Thanks

tommytinkle · 14 Oct 2010 at 09:22

Hi,

Thanks for the replies, I have been happily tinkering with WS2008 for a few days now. Next on the list is ubuntu server, but I think that'll also be supported by this virtual machine.

Thanks a lot for your help, and saving me hardware pennies!