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View Full Version : Using server 2008 R2 as desktop/workstation and server os?


{XG}Gijs007
October 4th, 2011, 09:48 AM
I just got access to Microsoft DreamSpark program which allows me to use windows server 2008 R2 standard edition and some other software for free.

im currently running Windows 7 64 bit, but around Christmas I will buy my self an ssd and reinstall windows.
However im using this pc for software development and running servers, and I also play games on it.
So I thought maybe its useful to use server 2008 R2, ive used it in a virtual pc before and I kind of liked it although it needs some tweaks if I want to use it as a desktop os(tweaks can be found here: http://www.win2008r2workstation.com/ )

So im just wondering if anyone did this already? if so what is your experience with it?
Or would it be better to stay with Windows 7 Ultimate sp1 64bit,and run my servers and development tool on there?
jcap
October 4th, 2011, 11:58 AM
Not worth the trouble. Virtualize it.

e: Or don't even bother with Server 2008 R2. What features would it provide you anyway, for just hosting servers? If you are planning to use it as a desktop anyway, I don't even see stability or security as an advantage.
PopeAK49
October 4th, 2011, 10:08 PM
You could run windows server 2008 R2 and virtualize windows 7 within it. Running a virtualized OS inside a hyper visor program such as hyper-v can give you an extra layer of security. Make sure you have virtualization support on your CPU. You probably need quite a bit more RAM if you plan on gaming on a virtual machine inside a hyper visor because you will be running server and win 7 along with the game at the same time.
{XG}Gijs007
October 9th, 2011, 01:49 PM
Ill get an ssd soon, so Ill give server 2008 R2 a try.
If it doesn't workout then ill go back to Windows 7.
dark navi
October 11th, 2011, 12:09 AM
I only use Windows2k8 for my local server. I found that it's really stripped down, as I couldn't even use it to stream Windows Media Center, so I ended up just installing Windows 7. Works fine.
{XG}Gijs007
October 11th, 2011, 10:21 AM
I only use Windows2k8 for my local server. I found that it's really stripped down, as I couldn't even use it to stream Windows Media Center, so I ended up just installing Windows 7. Works fine.
I know server 2008 R2 doesn't have media center(which I don't need), but you can install most other windows 7 components on windows server.

Update: I'm using it right now and it works really good, although it does require a little setup.