Converting free 'Windows 7' Server into a workstation
by Zack Whittaker | July 14, 2010 6:29pm PDT | Image 1 of 26
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Can Windows Server 2008 R2 act and behave like Windows 7?
Windows 7 is a popular desktop operating system to use, and it's preinstalled on many new computers. But, if you want to upgrade, you'll have to bite the bullet and pay for it. Or... do you? Windows Server 2008 R2 is the same operating system, just tweaked slightly to run better on servers. And, seeing as it's provided to students for free, you may as well download and use it to keep up to date.
But this doesn't come without its problems. This short guide will show you exactly how to tweak it to run just as Windows 7 would.
To read more about this, head on over to the ZDNet iGeneration blog.
But this doesn't come without its problems. This short guide will show you exactly how to tweak it to run just as Windows 7 would.
To read more about this, head on over to the ZDNet iGeneration blog.
Talkback Most Recent of 11 Talkback(s)
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I give MS one day to shut this site down..
Sad, but true...
amasys15th Jul 2010 -
Sadly...
@amasys
...Microsoft has been running this site for quite some time. Thanks to Dreamspark, I'm able to run Server 2008 as Vista Workstation (which was a popular mod back when Server was released).
I doubt that MS will shut down a site because one random person discovered its existence and declared it too good to be true.
So, the only one sad about things here is, well... you.
Royal_Knight15th Jul 2010 -
ZDNet Blogger
RE: Converting free 'Windows 7' Server into a workstation
@RoyalKnight@... I agree. I just think it's a shame that other software companies like Adobe don't have similar programs to enable students to engage with their products. I think CS5 comes to mind... seeing as so many of my multimedia tech/CS friends download the trial then crack it because they can't afford the ridiculous prices.
zwhittaker15th Jul 2010 -
RE: Converting free 'Windows 7' Server into a workstation
@amasys
Most college students in computer-related fields get MS Windows 7 Pro for free anyways through MSDN Academic Alliance. So I don't think MS will make a big deal out of this.
Zaxx8129th Jul 2010 -
They won't do it...
@amasys I don't think so, Microsoft don't want people hearing bad thoughts about them, especially if those came from sites like ZDNet.
fbarias8925th Sep 2010 -
RE: Converting free 'Windows 7' Server into a workstation
Beside that a lot of programs will require a "server edition" ...
jonathan@...15th Jul 2010 -
Yep.
@jonathan
Of course, there are other alternatives that you can install and use, but, yes, running a Server OS does end up limiting your selection of common desktop software, especially security software. AVG comes to mind.Royal_Knight15th Jul 2010 -
RE: Converting free 'Windows 7' Server into a workstation
@RoyalKnight - Adobe offers discounts to students all of the time. CS5 goes for $99.00 shipped, no tax. DreamSpark offerings are unbelievable. I would say nearly all of the high end software companies offer sweet deals to students; if a student is receiving the discounts, the his/her IT Department isn't doing its job. They, the IT guys, have to make a call, fill out a short form, and put an institution on a list for the discounts.
calkinsj@...15th Jul 2010 -
RE: Converting free 'Windows 7' Server into a workstation
@calkinsj@...
MSDNAA has also been a valuable student resource.
wizofvoz@...16th Jul 2010 -
RE: Converting free 'Windows 7' Server into a workstation
The only thing now left is bluetooth...
b1thunt3r16th Jul 2010 -
RE: Converting free 'Windows 7' Server into a workstation
Zack,
In the US the site http://www.journeyed.com/ provides discounted software to students. There might be something similar on your side of the Atlantic.wizofvoz@...16th Jul 2010
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