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Windows Server 2008 For Free! [message #352704]

Tue, 30 September 2008 23:16

genetix
Messages: 392
Registered: July 2003
Location: Saskatchewan Canada

Karma: 0

Commander

It's official. Dream Spark / Channel 8 at microsoft has officially added Windows Server 2k8 to their list of supported programs!

For anyone that was running a demo(like I was) you can now activate it.
https://downloads.channel8.msdn.com/Products/win_2008_server_stan.aspx

Go to your computer's control panel, then system, go to the bottom, change your serial, hit next and your done. Free Win Server 2k8!

I've been running it as a desktop on my workstation and laptop for a while now and its awesome. Now it's all activated and legit. No more demo license.

Puzzle - Petals Around the Rose

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Re: Windows Server 2008 For Free! [message #352764 is a reply to message #352704]

Wed, 01 October 2008 10:56

nikki6ixx
Messages: 2545
Registered: August 2007

Karma: 0

General (2 Stars)

That's very cool, although I'm not sure exactly what use I'd have for it; especially with my single-core laptop. Mr. Green

I think I may give it a try, seeing as it sounds like it can run on leaner hardware than Vista.

Renegade:

Aircraftkiller wrote on Fri, 10 January 2014 16:56

The only game where everyone competes to be an e-janitor.

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Re: Windows Server 2008 For Free! [message #352775 is a reply to message #352704]

Wed, 01 October 2008 12:12

danpaul88
Messages: 5795
Registered: June 2004
Location: England

Karma: 0

General (5 Stars)

It's been available through MSDNAA (A Microsoft program that universities and such can sign up to to allow all their students to download free Microsoft software) for ages...

http://steamsignature.com/card/1/76561197975867233.png

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Re: Windows Server 2008 For Free! [message #352777 is a reply to message #352704]

Wed, 01 October 2008 12:25

_SSnipe_
Messages: 4121
Registered: May 2007
Location: Riverside Southern Califo...

Karma: 0

General (4 Stars)

What are windows servers for? wikipedias to much info on its specs not the simple line of what it can do basically

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Re: Windows Server 2008 For Free! [message #352783 is a reply to message #352704]

Wed, 01 October 2008 12:50

Chuck Norris
Messages: 312
Registered: July 2007

Karma: 0

Recruit

I was under the impression that this "free" Server 2008 had a time limitation on it? It's been available at Microsoft's page for a while too, but it has a time limit (IIRC). Server 2008 is basically Vista (just like Server 2003 is XP), but it performs better.

When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night, he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.

Chuck Norris is the reason why Waldo is hiding.

When Chuck Norris does a pushup, he isnâ€™t lifting himself up, heâ€™s pushing the Earth down.

Chuck Norris can slam a revolving door.

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Re: Windows Server 2008 For Free! [message #352798 is a reply to message #352704]

Wed, 01 October 2008 14:19

danpaul88
Messages: 5795
Registered: June 2004
Location: England

Karma: 0

General (5 Stars)

The version on MSDNAA is a fully licensed version, but the license explicitly states it CANNOT be used for commercial purposes, it is for educational and personal use only. Same deal with Vista, XP and any other Microsoft software through MSDNAA.

I would guess this dreamland site has similar licensing terms.

Basically, it means you cannot (legally) use it directly or indirectly in anything that would make you money.

[Updated on: Wed, 01 October 2008 14:20]

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Re: Windows Server 2008 For Free! [message #352823 is a reply to message #352704]

Wed, 01 October 2008 17:50

Chuck Norris
Messages: 312
Registered: July 2007

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Recruit

Wait, if that's the case, why doesn't your average home user just go and download it (and all versions of Windows as they appear there) for free? Seems like there's a catch I'm missing. I don't think Microsoft is making Windows free to everyone except corporations and the like.

What difference is there from that to this?

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/cc137123.aspx

That's a "full version", but it's catch is that it has a time limit.

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Re: Windows Server 2008 For Free! [message #352826 is a reply to message #352704]

Wed, 01 October 2008 17:59

genetix
Messages: 392
Registered: July 2003
Location: Saskatchewan Canada

Karma: 0

Commander

Here's the deal. Yes there is another program that provides microsoft software for free. But unless your the dean or technical head of a university don't expect to get it.

Dreamspark is the same program only students are free to register. It doesn't provide things like Windows Vista Ultimate. Microsoft is giving away developement tools to students so they learn how to use their software and use it for work later on... Not a bad idea.

Why do I find it useful? Windows Server 2k8 = Windows Vista completely stripped down. When you start up windows server 2k8 it includes the necessities for windows to start up. You are then presented with "Server Manager" which allows you to decide what you want on your OS. There's also no hardware limitations like Vista Basic or whatever they call it. Vista drivers work fine on server 2k8 because it's the same foundation.

Oh ya... Windows Vista has some major wired networking issues. Server's operate off wired networking. It works great. Install the wireless feature that vista uses and you now have a laptop that works properly.

I was going to resort back to windows XP on my new laptop but now I'm able to keep all the features like the quick launch buttons that are on it. The second time my computer booted up it was with the Windows 2k8 setup disc in the CD drive. It won't start up again with vista on it.

Puzzle - Petals Around the Rose

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Re: Windows Server 2008 For Free! [message #353013 is a reply to message #352704]

Fri, 03 October 2008 08:20

IronWarrior
Messages: 2460
Registered: November 2004
Location: England UK

Karma: 0

General (2 Stars)

My College is not listed, so it sucks. :/

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Re: Windows Server 2008 For Free! [message #353030 is a reply to message #352704]

Fri, 03 October 2008 10:58

JPNOD
Messages: 807
Registered: April 2004
Location: Area 51

Karma: 0

Colonel

I can get more software with my MSDN account, but its definitly not free. You get it because your are a student so you can get into studying 2008 if you like. And to be honest its not a bad idea to get that certificate.

WOL nick: JPNOD

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Re: Windows Server 2008 For Free! [message #353032 is a reply to message #352777]

Fri, 03 October 2008 11:01

JPNOD
Messages: 807
Registered: April 2004
Location: Area 51

Karma: 0

Colonel

SSnipe wrote on Wed, 01 October 2008 15:25

What are windows servers for? wikipedias to much info on its specs not the simple line of what it can do basically

System Management from one place.

You can modify 200 PC's for a example by applying group policy's.

Just google up:

Active directory.
DNS
DHCP
Terminal Server
DFS root
Group policy (GPO)

WOL nick: JPNOD

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Re: Windows Server 2008 For Free! [message #353215 is a reply to message #352704]

Sat, 04 October 2008 13:51

Jonty
Messages: 538
Registered: June 2006
Location: Chesterfield, England

Karma: 0

Colonel
Viva la Resistance!

The Release Candidate of Server 2k8 I tested was stupidly slow... and this was on a dual-core 2.3Ghz Xeon server. I think I'll stick with Server 2003 at work for now, although if the opportunity ever arises I'm definitely switching to a Linux/Samba PDC.

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