November 7th, 2006
Free virtual machines from Microsoft
Finally, Microsoft has started to make something of its virtualization technology. First, it made Virtual PC 2005 a free download (and Virtual PC 2007 for Windows Vista will also be free) and now it has released four pre-configured VHDs (Virtual Hard Disks) for Virtual Server 2005 R2.
The four virtual hard disks are:
The idea behind these VHDs is simple - it offers a way for interested parties to evaluate Microsoft software on their own terms, in their own environment, for free.
Loading ...Here are the system requirement details:
- You need Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition
- You also need Virtual Server 2005 R2
- On top of the system requirements for the operating system, you need an additional 10GB of disk space and 512MB of RAM
- These downloads are massive so make sure that you have a fast connection and plenty of free disk space
What would be really cool is to see some Windows Vista/Office 2007 virtual machines (.VMC files) for Virtual PC - that would give both home users and SOHO users a chance to see what the new products have to offer.
For more information on VHDs, start by checking out this page on TechNet.
Adrian is a technology journalist and author who has devoted over a decade to helping users get the most from technology. He also runs a popular blog called The PC Doctor. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations
Want to get in touch? Got a tip? Feel free to drop me a note! I ALWAYS respect anonymity. I'm also on Twitter (@the_pc_doc)
Right to Reply: Should any industry representatives wish to comment on any posts on Hardware 2.0, I will be happy to publish their reply verbatim on this blog.
Subscribe to Hardware 2.0 via Email alerts or RSS.
| 11/07/06
