Vista and Server 2003

[Admiral208]

Hi,

 

I would like to install a copy of Server 2003 on my home computer which is currently running vista. I want to do this because i am about to start taking some networking exams and i want something that i can 'play' around with without there being any consequences.

 

What would be the best way of doing this?? I have an external hard drive that i could install it to, but im not sure if that would work. Can i install it to a local drive and switch between the two OS'?

 

Any Ideas??

 

Thanks

 

James

[jsnetman]

Virtualise it, you can setup a mini network using virtualisation software all on one PC providing you have enough RAM and disk space.

[Admiral208]

Ok, thanks. How would i do that, can you recommend any software??

[FN-GM]

Ok, thanks. How would i do that, can you recommend any software??

 

Virtual PC

Virtualbox

[Domino]

Virtualbox is probably the easiest to use

[Admiral208]

just had a quick look at both of those programs, they look really good. Does anyone know if i virtualise Server 2003 and a virtualise a copy of XP Pro, can i create a virtual network??? so i can effectively test whatever i do on the server.

[SYNACK]

I have not used virtual box but you could do this under virtual pc by adding a loopback adapter driver to your Vista installation and pointing both VMs at it.

[Admiral208]

ok. How would i do that, is it an easy process?

[SYNACK]

Its not to bad, this should explain it:

Networking with a VPC in Windows Vista Nima Dilmaghani’s Technology Blog

[Bluetooth]

i had a play with virtual server 2005 from microsoft and that had a nifty web interface where you could create virtual networks and such

 

never did get around to doing much w ith it but it was quite a fun tool.

[FN-GM]

The problem with Virtual PC the Linux support is naff, for vitalizing on my desktop i use VMware Fusion and at work all our servers are virtualized using VMware ESX.

[rh91uk]

I can also definetly reccomend VMWare Server - I have it installed on my laptop with a Windows Server 2003 VM, running AD, to write some software for work