Probably you are thinking at the moment: “Why the heck should I use Windows Server 2008 as my Workstations Operating System?? Vista works fine for me…”.
The answer is clear: Windows Server 2008 has almost exactly the same features as Windows Vista (SP1), but is remarkably faster and more stable! People say: “It’s Windows Vista without the bloat“!
Here are six great benchmarks which compare Windows Vista [SP1] against Windows Server 2008:
- Win2008workstation forum member halladayrules who compared Windows Server 2008 SP2 to Windows Vista SP2
- exo.blog: Windows “Workstation” 2008 – Vista Done Right?
- WastingTimeWithMikeAndAri: Windows Server 2008 10% faster, uses 2/3 the ram of Vista
- Jayson Rowe’s Ramblings: Windows Server 2008 “Workstation” Take 3
- Article from PC Games Hardware Magazine (German): DirectX 10 ohne Vista (rapidshare/pdf)
- Recovery Monkey: Massive benchmark comparison between Windows XP, Vista and 2008 Server, 32- and 64-bit
Beside the speed, Windows Server 2008 also includes:
- Microsoft Internet Information Services 7: Fully featured webserver;
- Hyper-V: Virtualization integrated in the Operating System.
- Terminal Services: Work with multiple users simultaneously on one fast PC.
- Much more!
Download and install Windows Server 2008 Now!!
Thanks! I’m 100% convinced now to do what should be done
Arris: Good to hear that! If you need any support, don’t hesitate to ask your question on the Forums!
Hi guys,
I aquired a copy through the dream spark program (great initiative) mentioned above. I was wondering, is using virtual pc to test for individual softwares the best approach for compatability?
I am thinking of making the switch from my old OEM xp. Thanks for the support and i think this is a great site, lots of great information.
Arris: I think it is a good approach. The only thing you can’t test in a Virtual Machine are the drivers you ‘ll need in Server 2008 and software that uses 3D acceleration. (However, I know VMWare Workstation does support Direct3D). If you really want to be sure, create a dual boot and remove the Windows XP OS if everything works fine.
Is there any real difference between running enterprise or standard on the desktop?
Arris: See this topic for more info about the different versions.
SP2 Beta for Server 2008 (I’m using x64) seems to enhance the “snappiness” of the OS.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=DCA54ECC-362A-4B4D-B62B-22780E839A7E&displaylang=en
or x64:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=361D0CA3-4B2C-4F1C-8B3E-DE376FDB1DE8&displaylang=en
For anyone who ask for the price…
Remember that a Technet plus submission just cost : 349$
And for that price you can use all Soft you want… Windows Server, Vista, Office…
some choices to make,
I make mine…
if university student, go to dreamspark.com and you can get server 2008 free or server 2003
I am running 2003 server both home and at work, and I would just say that I wouldn’t really recommend it to anyone less geeky than myself.
The reason is that I have met some obstacles regarding drivers and software that won’t install. Its only a handful, like printer drivers, antivirus, MS Active Sync.
If you want a faster Vista, you could consider tinyVista.
Anyone running R2 yet ?
how bout windows 7 performance compare with windows server 2008?
Yeah Dreamspark is a lifesaver for us students.
They only give you Windows Server Standard 32-bit though. Better than nothing, mind you.
You can also get Visual Studio Pro for free.
Arris: According to this comment it is also possible to activate the x64 edition of Windows Server 2008 with a x86 serial.
I have used Windows Vista Ultimate (64 Bit ) since the day it came out, I like Vista a lot better than XP, but once I loaded Windows 2008 Server Enterprise (64 Bit), I was blown away by the speed difference. , I have configured 2008 server to run like a work station, After running a few Benchmark tests, it showed the increase in Performance, I think this is something I will keep doing as time goes on, it’s like Night and Day
does this show on a network as a workstation or a server install?
It will still show as a server install
Ok, so I’m confused. In an early thread I thought I saw someone mention that windows server 2003 works better then Vista. If U just want to setup a kick but workstation, no web page building or online gaming, what’s the simplest way to go. I bought a (used) dual processor mother board & thought I would just try to build a fast computer. Didn’t even realize at the time it was a server/workstation mbo.
I guess I should amend my earlier post. The obvious question is what do U want to use the computer for? My needs are actually very basic. MS Office 2007, Utorrent, Firefox. I think I did read something about problems using Auction Sniper but I wasn’t sure if that was the OS problem or the firewall compatibility issue. Have I over simplified my question about which OS should best soot my needs?
Arris: Newer operating systems like Vista and Server 2008 are of course slower than OS’s like XP and Server 2003. This is just because the newer OS’s were designed to run on newer hardware. However the older operating systems will have fewer features so it’s up to you to decide which operating system suits your needs.
I am using 2008 now and i am amaze!!!!No words.The best thing since xp?Not for novice user though
How can I install Nero?
Arris: Take a look at the forum.
Anybody tried 2008 RC2 as a workstation?
@Stephen D
Yes, it works fine. I’ve had no problems upgrading from 2008 to 2008 R2. However, Windows 7 has a lot more functionality than Vista did, and using 2008 R2 is not necessary to get the server-style backup features, software RAID, etc. Also, using Windows 7 allows you to use Microsoft’s new free anti-virus solution and Windows XP mode. These features aren’t available in 2008 R2… shame. If you’re doing a fresh OS install, I’d say use Windows 7 unless you need IIS or other server roles (such as terminal server).
I’m planning a new compute purchase in the next week. I currently run Windows Server 2003. So, my debate is Window 7 or Server 2008?
I want the terminal server feature, but I not really need it. IIS is great for me, but it would only be to play around.
My questions is am I sacrificing anything with 08, just to have terminal server and IIS?
Thank for this page. It has been allot of help.
I am guessing this is for replacing Vista.
How does the Win 2008 compare with Win 7?
I guess some people DO believe in Open Source Software and Linux… True, you can customise it and lose time writing some drivers and utilities instead of working. Yes, there are some big guys using this kind of technology too. But the naked truth is that 8 in every 10 computers use a propietary OS. Now, what is the big deal about that Bill Gates and Microsoft dominating the World?
Of course I use Windows Server 2008 and I want it to look and behave like a regular PC. I use it for work and I use for entertainment and I use it for playing games and I use it for what not… Hell… I even have a Virtual Machine running CentOS & Asterisk that is hosted under Windows Server 2008.
Linux is ok if you have low-end computer and don’t mind doing everything yourself (that’s why it is free), but after certain age one shouldn’t have a coin shortage and that’s where Windows Server 2008 comes to the rescue!
This sounds great. Windows Server 2008 is so much cheaper than even XP. Been looking how to “hack” it for a while thanks
Will this work on converting Windows 7 64bit to Windows Server 2008
I am usually not a fan of Microsoft, but this was pretty sweet. (Sorry, my Indonesian is not very good
)