Best way to run Server 2008 on my PC

[mwwwilson]

What is the best way to run Windows Server 2008 on my PC. I am running Windows 7 Ultimate as my OS. I am going to school for IT and I want to run the server OS on my PC to mess with and learn from. To not mess up my current OS is it best to run this Server 2008 in something like VMWare? I have a separate HDD for my backup and I could install it on that but I just don't want any mishaps with my Windows 7 Ultimate OS. What do you think?

Thanks in advance,
Mark W.

 

[Lexluethar]

VMWare player would be the easiest setup IMO. You can download and run it for free. You can also install server 2008 R2 and run that for 60 days free.

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[SHAWN]

VirtualBox is a free program that you can use to create virtual machines. Here is a link: https://www.virtualbox.org

 

[Frosty is a Snowman]

Yeah, virtualbox is the best option for running it on your own computer.

But to be honest, you can buy an old rack server very cheap on ebay, and practice setting it up on that hardware, and have an actual physical server on your home network for real testing.

 

[Lexluethar]

Virtualbox is goofy with certain processor types and x64 bit os's. I tried virtualbox and had zero luck.

 

[SHAWN]

Virtualbox is goofy with certain processor types and x64 bit os's. I tried virtualbox and had zero luck.

I'm surprised to hear that. I have installed all operating systems with virtual box for testing without ever having an issue. I think it's a great product and it being free makes it even better.

 

[Lexluethar]

I completely agree with virtualbox being a great product - i've just had issues with it emulating 64 bit os's.