2.1. Getting Your Free Copy of Windows Server 2008

You may not realize it, but Microsoft does occasionally give things away. If you only want to set up a quick network and use it for testing purposes, then the 180-day free trial version of Windows Server 2008 may be all you need. This chapter assumes you're using the 180-day trial version, but you can also use it with a paid version of Windows Server 2008. The two versions are essentially the same, but the 180-day version quits working after 180 days. Also, these books focus on Windows Server 2008 Standard Edition (the version that runs roughly $1,000 to buy), and Microsoft offers its 180-day evaluation copy only in the form of Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition, the $4,000 version. Again, you won't see much in the way of differences, but some menus may look a little different.

2.1.1. Downloading the Software

To obtain your free copy of Windows Server 2008, you need to go to the main Windows Server 2008 Web site atwww.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/default.mspx. This Web site contains a number of links on the left side, one of which will take you to the download location for the free version of Windows Server 2008. The current URL for the download is www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/audsel.mspx. However, Microsoft likes to rearrange its Web site every week or so, so just in case the 180-day evaluation copy's not there, then go to Microsoft's Web site at www.microsoft.com and search for Windows Server 2008 180 day evaluation, and you'll probably find it.