Discounted Operating Systems?

Lil306

Just a quick one,

I'm going to be building up a Domain Controller and installing a retail version of Windows Server 2003 or 2008 (probably Standard edition), although may need Enterprise or Datacentre as I don't know the RAM specs as yet.

Anyone know of a site which offers big discounts for legitimate retail versions, if it helps I'm also a college student so any sites that offer discounts to these would be a bonus.

Also, what's up with the CAL softwares, are they the same. I know a 5 CAL license allows up to 5 machines to connect but is that the same thing as Server 2003 Standard (which probably offers a higher limit)?

tomsolomon

Linux is free, how much of a discount do you need?
Most decent Linux distros do a server edition, and contain virtually everything you would ever need to set up a server funnily enough....

Oh and did I mention it's free.....

Lil306

tomsolomon wrote: »

Linux is free, how much of a discount do you need?
Most decent Linux distros do a server edition, and contain virtually everything you would ever need to set up a server funnily enough....

Oh and did I mention it's free.....

I prefer Windows, because I know it better.

I don't like delving into O/S that I have sod all knowledge about

Plus I'll be using Windows, because I'm going to be using Active Directory and also because I'm increasing my knowledge in IT.

Throw me the names of some Linux based stuff however, I might try some testing with it in the meanwhile

Shrimply

Dreamspark?

https://www.dreamspark.com/default.aspx

Not sure if that's what you need or not.

RobTang

Why on earth do you need a domain controller ?

If you're using it to learn most of the servers are coverd by dreamspark.

If your looking for hosting an office network or website etc, any student dicount product is invalid to use in that enviroments.

For a proper installation you need a licence for the server and CAL for every connected user (win server 2008 just assumes you are properly licenced there is no software check) (win 2003 can operate in 2 modes either it assumes you have a cal for every user or it runs a pre set number the comes with the server).

It really depends on what your trying to do as there are quite a few different licencing options avaliable.

Lil306

RobTang wrote: »

Why on earth do you need a domain controller ?

If you're using it to learn most of the servers are coverd by dreamspark.

If your looking for hosting an office network or website etc, any student dicount product is invalid to use in that enviroments.

For a proper installation you need a licence for the server and CAL for every connected user (win server 2008 just assumes you are properly licenced there is no software check) (win 2003 can operate in 2 modes either it assumes you have a cal for every user or it runs a pre set number the comes with the server).

It really depends on what your trying to do as there are quite a few different licencing options avaliable.

I want to use it because I'm building a home network for my computers and simply to increase my knowledge with IT

I'll check out Dreamspark, never heard of it tbh...

I only mentioned the student because I know they can get discounts on certain products, I was doubtful with 2003 Server but you never know.

I guess I could buy a version of 2003 Retail with 5 CAL to cover me, or spend the money getting 2008 and not need to worry

gaming_guy

Shrimply wrote: »

Dreamspark?

https://www.dreamspark.com/default.aspx

Not sure if that's what you need or not.

+1

also check if your college/uni subscribes to MSDNAA as you should be able to get genuine MS s/w that way as well.

Lil306

gaming_guy wrote: »

+1

also check if your college/uni subscribes to MSDNAA as you should be able to get genuine MS s/w that way as well.

Damn, I completely forgot about that method lol

I know where I used to work did it, I'll have to enquire if they do here

superscaper

Lil306 wrote: »

Damn, I completely forgot about that method lol

I know where I used to work did it, I'll have to enquire if they do here

If you're at college then Dreamspark is definitely the best way to go. You can't get better than Windows Server 2008 R2 for free (plus all the other software, eg. Expression Suite, Visual Studio).

RobTang

Lil306 wrote: »

I want to use it because I'm building a home network for my computers and simply to increase my knowledge with IT

I'll check out Dreamspark, never heard of it tbh...

I only mentioned the student because I know they can get discounts on certain products, I was doubtful with 2003 Server but you never know.

I guess I could buy a version of 2003 Retail with 5 CAL to cover me, or spend the money getting 2008 and not need to worry

Use dreakspark or see if your collage msdnaa, trust me its not worth the money to fork out for a server and retail copy of a server edition for a home network.
Its ok for practicing for a MSCE but trust me its nothing like running a corporate network.

I run an windows domain at home (development work). most of the time its not worth the hassel really, there are a few advantages but windows domains are nothing like normal windows networking you can spend months just trying to work out how to use it properly

Lil306

It's all a learning curve for me

I'll try the free approach first, it's mainly to develop the experience for it

I definately want a domain and AD however