Comments on: Why should I use a Server OS for my Workstation??

By: Shakur Ali

Shakur Ali — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:34:00 +0000

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.

By: Steve

Steve — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:32:23 +0000

@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).

By: Stephen D

Stephen D — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:15:05 +0000

Anybody tried 2008 RC2 as a workstation?

By: Convert your Windows Server 2008 to a Workstation! | What’s UP

Convert your Windows Server 2008 to a Workstation! | What’s UP — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:33:09 +0000

[...] you are still not convinced why to use Windows Server 2008 as your workstation OS, read this article, and you will be installing Windows Server 2008 right after reading [...]

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:45:33 +0000

How can I install Nero? Arris: Take a look at the forum.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 22:31:06 +0000

I am using 2008 now and i am amaze!!!!No words.The best thing since xp?Not for novice user though

By: Jim

Jim — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 03:46:28 +0000

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.

By: Jim

Jim — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 03:32:21 +0000

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.

By: Henry

Henry — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:45:59 +0000

It will still show as a server install

By: Frontdesk

Frontdesk — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:26:51 +0000

does this show on a network as a workstation or a server install?

By: Reece

Reece — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 00:36:32 +0000

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

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:07:55 +0000

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.

By: anonymous

anonymous — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 01:11:08 +0000

how bout windows 7 performance compare with windows server 2008?

By: Chudddds

Chudddds — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:36:34 +0000

Anyone running R2 yet ?

By: Arne And

Arne And — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 22:26:27 +0000

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.

By: tom

tom — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 06:19:31 +0000

if university student, go to dreamspark.com and you can get server 2008 free or server 2003

By: benkenobi

benkenobi — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:49:56 +0000

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…

By: tom

tom — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 04:32:14 +0000

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

By: Eric

Eric — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 18:46:36 +0000

Is there any real difference between running enterprise or standard on the desktop? Arris: See this topic for more info about the different versions.

By: inquisitive_mind

inquisitive_mind — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 07:33:46 +0000

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.