Windows Server 2012

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StevieT

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#114142 10-Feb-2013 11:14

Hi there,

I've decided to go on an adventure and attempt to create a server for my home network. At this stage I'm not entirely sure what I have in mind - I've been given a brief explanation of cloud computing which sounds interesting; however I have more questions over the actual workings of it and whether I want to create a private cloud for my home or not.

I've come across this server: http://www.trademe.co.nz/computers/servers/servers/auction-560637085.htm, and I have a copy of Windows Server 2012 and System Center 2012 from Dreamspark (via my university credentials).

Reviewing the system requirements for Server 2012, it seems the server above meets them except for the DVD drive (the copy of Server/System Center is currently on a USB stick and will be installed from that - if it can?).

I also have a copy of Lync 2012. It would be quite interesting to create a switchboard at home if I decide to go for VoIP (decided when fibre optic plans are released by TelstraClear, and whether VoIP will be offered by them).

Basically - would the server I've linked to above be suitable for Server 2012, or do I need to decide what I'm wanting out of the server to evaluate its suitability. Or, with what Server 2012 is capable of, so is the server?

My IT admin friend from Texas also mentioned to me VMware so I could run Server 2012 and a Linux based server OS on the same machine simultaneously.

Stevie

gehenna

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#758908 10-Feb-2013 11:50

I'd go the VMware route, you have more flexibility then. You'll just need to up the RAM to cater for the number of guests you want.

Be aware that if you want to go down the Lync route you're going to have to learn a lot.

By the way, that's probably the biggest understatement I've ever written

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boby55

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#758910 10-Feb-2013 11:55

If you're going the Microsoft route why not install Hyper-V server 2012 over VMware.

It's also free (Like ESXi)

networkn

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#758912 10-Feb-2013 11:58

boby55: If you're going the Microsoft route why not install Hyper-V server 2012 over VMware.

It's also free (Like ESXi)

Also there are free decent tools to back it up.

http://www.altaro.com/hyper-v-backup/lp/3/

billgates

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#759040 10-Feb-2013 16:25

I recommend Hyper-V. We just bought over 25 new HP Gen 8 tower servers for all our remote sites. Switching from free ESXi to Hyper-V Core 2012 as we have 64GB RAM for remote sites and with ESXi we would have had to buy the license after 32GB RAM. Took a while to convince the IT manager/s, but I do good demos. Managing it right now via the free Hyper-V manager from Windows 8. No issues and no complaints from other IT guys either. Hyper-V V3 has caught up with ESXi.

Do whatever you want to do man.

nathan

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#759041 10-Feb-2013 16:28

gehenna: I'd go the VMware route, you have more flexibility then. You'll just need to up the RAM to cater for the number of guests you want.

Be aware that if you want to go down the Lync route you're going to have to learn a lot.

By the way, that's probably the biggest understatement I've ever written

curious to know what more flexibility VMware would offer you over Hyper-V

networkn

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#759044 10-Feb-2013 16:33

nathan:
gehenna: I'd go the VMware route, you have more flexibility then. You'll just need to up the RAM to cater for the number of guests you want.

Be aware that if you want to go down the Lync route you're going to have to learn a lot.

By the way, that's probably the biggest understatement I've ever written

curious to know what more flexibility VMware would offer you over Hyper-V

Well for one, he would have a choice of operating systems by which to manage it. If I am not mistaken Hyper-V on 2012, requires Windows 8 to manage it?

freitasm

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#759045 10-Feb-2013 16:36

Hyper-V is free and comes with Windows. So just use it. Also if you have Windows Server 2012 license then you can use two VMs for each physical box with that same license.

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billgates

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#759046 10-Feb-2013 16:42

Chances are that OP has access to Windows Server 2012 Datacenter license as I have that available under my Dreamspark subscription as well as Standard edition. Standard edition will let you license up to 2 VM's/host/2sockets whereas Datacenter will let you license unlimited VM's per 2 sockets/host

Do whatever you want to do man.

freitasm

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#759048 10-Feb-2013 16:47

Even better then.

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boby55

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#759064 10-Feb-2013 17:11

Just a note on that server you've listed. I don't think it is 64bit, Meaning Windows Server 2012 will NOT work.

gehenna

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#759194 10-Feb-2013 21:09

nathan:

curious to know what more flexibility VMware would offer you over Hyper-V

I didn't say it'd offer more flexibility over Hyper-V....I just said it would give more flexibility than running a single OS on the box.

I don't really care what hypervisor anyone uses.

shanes

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#759214 10-Feb-2013 21:37

One thing worth thinking about, is the power consumption of a "proper" server.

I have an old IBM server which draws ~300 watts, and a desktop that could do the same job, at ~80 watts.

nathan

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#760320 12-Feb-2013 18:49

networkn:
nathan:
gehenna: I'd go the VMware route, you have more flexibility then. You'll just need to up the RAM to cater for the number of guests you want.

Be aware that if you want to go down the Lync route you're going to have to learn a lot.

By the way, that's probably the biggest understatement I've ever written

curious to know what more flexibility VMware would offer you over Hyper-V

Well for one, he would have a choice of operating systems by which to manage it. If I am not mistaken Hyper-V on 2012, requires Windows 8 to manage it?

an interesting point, I've actually never had anyone mention that to me before

The Hyper-V MMC management tool only installs onto Windows 8 or Windows Server 2012, so yes that would cost money, Windows 8 was available for $49 until recently

Pretty good value for a full enterprise class Hypervisor that isn't specifically limited to not have features in the free version, unlike the competitor

There is also a free 3rd party management tool that will install on the local free Hyper-V Server 2012 product as well http://www.5nine.com/5nine-manager-for-hyper-v-product.aspx

nathan

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#760321 12-Feb-2013 18:52

yes you can install Windows Server 2012 off a USB key, so you wouldn't need

You could even run the hypervisor, I would recommend Hyper-V Server 2012 directly off a USB key too if you wanted

you technically don't have a private cloud if you only have 1 host server, but there is still a lot you could learn about Windows Server 2012, System Center 2012 SP1 etc from just a single host