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Charlie Osborne
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Convert student-free Windows Server 2008 R2 into Windows 7

By | July 14, 2010, 6:51pm PDT

Summary: Students users with access to DreamSpark can download and install Windows Server 2008 R2 - and within minutes convert it to a fully functioning (including themes!) copy of what is basically Windows 7.

Have a look at this image. It’s Windows 7, right?

Well, no. It’s actually Windows Server 2008 R2, the server edition based on Windows 7 with additional features to support hundreds of client machines.

But they look the same and they work in the same way. Windows Server 2008 R2 is the latest operating system that Microsoft have developed. It’s pretty much brand new.

Oh - did I not mention that it’s completely free to download, use and install for students?

DreamSpark is actually now available in 135 countries, with thousands of colleges, schools and universities signed up for it. This extends to up to 170 million students worldwide, to cut down on their upgrading to Windows 7 costs.

Then again, those with access to MSDNAA through their academic program already may have access to Windows 7, so no need to do anything!

But admittedly, you might need to spend the first 10 minutes tweaking it or so, but this photo gallery will guide you through it - start to finish.

Gallery
To see the full screenshot gallery, guiding you step-by-step through downloading, installing and configuring Windows Server 2008 R2 into acting, looking and working like Windows 7, head on over here.

Windows 7’s equivalent is Windows Server 2008 R2, but the problem here is that it only runs as a x64 operating system. Though many x64 processors are available on the market, if you have an older machine then it may not be x64; it will be x86. You can run an x86 operating system on an x86 or x64 processor, but you cannot run an x64 operating system on an x86 processor.

The two are identical in theme, user interface, programs and applications and usage. The only exception is that Windows Server is designed for the enterprise, but it’s free for students. So why not ‘convert’ it instead of paying through your ears for a legitimate copy of Windows?

Any comments or questions? Feel free to shoot.

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Topics

Microsoft Windows Server, Microsoft Windows, Workstations, Servers, Operating Systems, Software, Hardware, Zack Whittaker

Zack Whittaker, a criminologist who studied at the University of Kent, Canterbury, is a journalist, writer and broadcaster.

Disclosure

Zack Whittaker

I worked briefly with Microsoft UK in 2006 but no longer have any connection with the company. Regardless, I remain impartial and unbiased in my views.

I don't hold any stock or shares, investments or industrial secrets in any company, but have signed confidentiality agreements with a number of UK and U.S. organisations, whose names I am not at liberty to disclose.

I was involved with Kent Union, the University of Kent's student union, undertaking voluntary, non-salaried, elected positions between early 2009 and mid-2010.

No other company, body, government department, non-governmental organisation or third sector organisation employs me or pays me a salary in any capacity whatsoever.

As a freelance journalist, whenever expenses are given and taken by a company that is not CBS Interactive, these will be disclosed in each relevant post to ensure transparency.

I currently work with a UK law enforcement unit, but this is an entirely separate position which bears no connection to other work.

(Updated: 23rd October 2011)

Biography

Zack Whittaker

Zack Whittaker, criminologist who studied at the University of Kent, UK, is a journalist, writer and broadcaster.

After studying criminology at university, though still in his early-20's, he has already had a series unconventional work and voluntary positions. He has worked with researchers studying neurological illnesses like Tourette's syndrome (which he suffers from), has given lectures on the nature of disabilities in the public community, and occasionally ends up speaking on television and radio discussing the events of the day.

He first had academic work published at the age of 22, then still an undergraduate, and has been cited by a wide range of publications: from the Huffington Post, Business Insider, AllThingsDigital, The Atlantic Wire and CBS News.

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