Some tips for evaluating Windows 2008 server.
Yes, I know I am a Linux guy but my job demands I have some MS Windows knowledge too. The fastest way to brush up on your Windows skills would be to get a evaluation copy of the Windows version you wish to learn. The latest version being Windows 2008 and Windows 2008 r2. Evaluations are free to download from Microsoft and you can get 2008 and 2008 r2 here:
For windows 2008 you can download without any sign up, for 2008 r2 you have to enter in some info ( not that big of a deal) The coolest thing though is the activation rearm feature that gives you more time to do an eval. Info about this can be found below:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/948472
You can rearm your windows 2008 eval up to 3 times to extend your eval time. Here is what the KB says directly:
“Evaluating Windows Server 2008 software does not require product activation. Any edition of Windows Server 2008 may be installed without activation, and it may be evaluated for 60 days. Additionally, the 60-day evaluation period may be reset (re-armed) three times. This action extends the original 60-day evaluation period by up to 180 days for a total possible evaluation time of 240 days.
Note In the Windows Server 2008 Evaluation DVD package, there is a 120-day initial evaluation period. You can extend the evaluation period to 240 days. To extend the initial evaluation and testing period, follow the steps in this Microsoft Knowledge Base article.”
They also provide a script that will do this for you automatically in the aforementioned KB that is executed by a simple scheduled task. I hope this helps out someone who wants to learn about Windows server platforms..
On a personal note I believe that Windows and Linux both have a place in the server room and as long as they are both being used by companies I will need to know both. Sometimes I will feature some windows stuff here too although Linux is my personal server platform of choice.
