Hello! I'm really into computers but am also really new to servers and networking. So I decided I'd like to learn as much as I can and since I can't get a job I'd like to do it at home. I have 2 laptop computers at disposal (one running Win7 and one WinXP) and an older desktop (Pentium D 2.8 GHz, 1.5 GB RAM) which I intend to use as a server. I'd like to install Windows Server 2008 R2 on it and set a home network so I can learn as much as I can (in a home environment). I think I should install the 32-bit version since it's an older system, which one should I download and how do I activate it? What else should I know/do? Thank you!
You might be out of luck as there isn't a 32bit version of Server 2008R2 and beyond. Server 2008 (Vista kernel 6.0) was the last with 32bit platform support. Server 2008R2 (Win7 kernel 6.1) can be activated with Daz Loader as it supports OEM:SLP 2.1.
As Carlos has said SVR2008 R2 and above are 64bit only. Although, the Pentium D is a 64bit CPU, so you might be OK. But you may need to add some RAM, the more services you have running on your server the more RAM it will need.
Thank you all! I won't be adding any more RAM so I'll just get and install Windows Server 2008 (not the R2 version). Would someone please give me a direct link (or point me to it) and also tell me how to activate. Also with Daz Loader? Thanks!
Thank you guys! Which server edition would you suggest (given my circumstances: to learn to use it at home on an old system)? Standard edition perhaps? Do I need any special hardware? I have an old desktop and two laptops and a router. Thanx!
If you want to use Windows Server 2008 for home purposes, Standard edition is the best option. But, if you want to use it for web developing, then use Web edition. You not need any special hardware, only you need is active internet connection. EDIT: If you need for Storage purposes, use Windows Storage Server 2008.
Theres very little difference in any of the Server editions now. Most of the differences are down to licencing, so as far as learning is concerned either one will be fine.
ServerEnterprise is classic Enterprise edition. ServerEnterpriseV is Enterprise without Hyper-V. You will be able to install Server 2008 with Dell key.
So ServerEnterpriseV is Windows Server 2008 WITHOUT Hyper-V. I guess this is the right one for me since I'll be installing it on an old personal computer (Pentium D 2.80 Ghz with 1,5 GB RAM). I guess that this computer doesn't have the Hyper-V function?
You need a CPU with hardware Virtualization and plenty of RAM. Even if that Pentium D has HW/Virt. you couldn't really enjoy HyperV.