QUICKLY NEED A TEST SERVER ENVIRONMENT - VIRTUAL OPTIONS? OTHER OPTIONS?

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SOLUTION

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ASKER

Isn't MS Virtual Server Free as well? Looks like they have VHD files which basically is ready to go SERVER OS for trial \ testing period?

Does vmware offer the same?

Yes, I believe VS is free, but again, you have to have the W2K3 server OS disk to create a VM. MS doesn't have a 'ready-made' W2K3 to test with (that I'm aware of)?

~coolsport00

Let me clarify for you as well - Virtual Server I use at my org, and have for over 4yrs now. I have always had to have an OS install disk to create a VM. I think you may be confused on the "server OS" part. I believe a requirement to use VS is that it also has to be installed on a Windows SERVER OS like VMware Server (in other words, you can't install it on XP). You'll have to look at the sys req's for VS as I don't have them on-hand at the moment. Does that help?

~coolsport00

ASKER

Ok if I have to have my own OS (WIN 2003 for example) then what is this VHD all about?

I don't understand. What is what VHD all about? VHD is the virtual disk format used by MS VS. Do you have a W2K3 VHD file?

~coolsport00

ASKER

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=a4fbe2f3-45dd-46bf-8747-16a111c04107&displaylang=en

This looks like a ready to go OS ? I would imagine other such VHDs exist somewhere for other OS?

SOLUTION

Dk_guru

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ASKER

Dual booting may be a cleaner and easier way to go?

Does it matter which OS installed first for a dual boot to work (XP or server OS) ?

Is there some software to make dual boot easier ? Free or cheap option?

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Ok so I can use MS Virt PC on my XP PRO and then use VHD for W2k8 to load\run off of the Virt PC ?

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ok...so Virtual Appliance = VHD file = ready to go OS to install on a Virtual server (can be installed on MS Virtual PC or server) ?

Vmware doesn't work with VHD or have their own file type \ virtual appliance?

SOLUTION

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