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I need to test a few of my programs on a Windows Server and was wondering what would be the easiest way to install and run it in a virtual machine. Should I install VirtualBox and install a Windows Server trial on it? Something else?

The host is a Windows 7 Home Premium.

Thanks in advance.

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4 Answers

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VMware Server is available as a free download and will work nicely. VirtualBox will work as well.

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So simply installing a virtual server and then installing the Windows Server trial ontop of that would work? – user53042 Dec 7 '10 at 22:01
Technically at that point you are installing Windows Server within the virtual server, but yes that's it. – mrdenny♦ Dec 7 '10 at 22:04
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Easiest way is to install Virtual Box from http://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads

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I'd install VMware Player on my host, then create the virtual machines I need and install Windows Server on those. VMware server is a dead product. And I've never used any of the FOSS virtualization platforms. Personal preference. From what I've read VirtualBox has come a long way. I just don't believe that it matches up to the capabilities of vmware player/workstation yet.

You don't mention what's involved with your testing. Does the Windows Server VM need to be always online, or only booted when you're working with it?

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I have to say, I think VMware Player is the best solution. I use it extensively. – joeqwerty Dec 8 '10 at 0:02
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VMWare and Virtual box both will work nicely. But personally I feel VMWare more easy to use and more user friendly then Virtual Box.

You should intall VMWare Player and install Virtual Windows.

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