Microsoft releases Virtual Server 2005 R2

Microsoft releases Virtual Server 2005 R2 - Free Download

Tom Warren on 03 April 2006 - 17:05 · 28 comments & 19241 views

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Microsoft will release Virtual Server 2005 R2 to customers for free which was previously priced at $99.

The software upgrade allows customers to run Linux distributions, virtualised.

This also will apply to the forthcoming service pack 1 of Virtual Server 2005 R2. In addition, Microsoft announced the availability of virtual machine add-ins for Linux and a technical product support model for Linux guest operating systems running on Virtual Server 2005 R2.

With Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition, customers can run up to four virtual operating systems on one physical server at no additional cost.

Download: Virtual Server 2005 R2

View: Microsoft Virtual Server Information

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#1 webspot on 03 Apr 2006 - 17:13

downloading

#2 Chicane-UK on 03 Apr 2006 - 17:17

So.. free download for all Windows Server 2003 customers?

Not often I say this about Microsoft but thats pretty darn generous! Virtual Server is a nice product and making it a free download has just made it even better IMHO!!

#3 wilbert on 03 Apr 2006 - 17:28

This ia awsome! Virual server is great for simple applications that do not require LOTS of power, yet need to be isolated. Plus vitual server is great for testing!

(3 replies) #4 Hills420 on 03 Apr 2006 - 17:33

how does this compare to VMWare workstation?

#4.1 Chicane-UK on 03 Apr 2006 - 17:47

As I understood it the only free release from VMWare was the VMWare player? This let you run an existing virtual machine that had been created on a paid version of VMWare?

This runs a little differently. Runs as a background service on Windows Server - you create / manage virtual machines through a web control panel applet which seems to work pretty well actually and access the virtual machines remotely as you would do normally. Apparently supports up to 4 machines which is a software imposed limitation rather than hardware but still better than a kick in the teeth!

#4.2 cowabunga on 03 Apr 2006 - 18:01

Nope, VMware Server is free since a while back. VMware Workstation still costs money since the intended user is not the same for those products.

#4.3 markjensen on 03 Apr 2006 - 19:15

I think that the biggest difference between this and VMWare's offerings is that VMWare can run with a Linux or Windows host and Linux, BSD, Netware or Windows guests.

Microsoft's offering seems to require a Windows host (no surprise there), and only Windows or Linux guests are listed here. This listing may be updated in the future.

#5 B3AN on 03 Apr 2006 - 17:39

I surpose thay had to really since VMWare server is now free. I do like Virtual PC for quick testing but VMWare wins hands down in my opinion.

(1 reply) #6 NEOBassDUDE on 03 Apr 2006 - 17:40

If this has 3d acceleration for the guest operating system I will be very happy.

I really don't think it will. Really don't think so at all. Its a happy thought because then I could play imperium galactica 2 properly again.

Silly x64 breaking my fun little games.

#6.1 Chicane-UK on 03 Apr 2006 - 17:49

Doesn't have 3D acceleration i'm afraid. This software is more designed for servers rather than workstation images.. in that the method for accessing the output of a virtual machine on the server is through an ActiveX control embedded in a web page.

#7 kirk26 on 03 Apr 2006 - 17:59

Thanks. Downloading now.

#8 alyssachanpc on 03 Apr 2006 - 19:56

Hmmmm. It seems that Microsoft wants to go in competition with the free VMware server, eh?

I thought so

(1 reply) #9 amd_dude on 03 Apr 2006 - 20:32

The EU should now sue microsoft for making stuff for free. That way consumers are better protected from themselves.

#9.1 Gibwar on 03 Apr 2006 - 22:49

Quote - amd_dude said @ #9

The EU should now sue microsoft for making stuff for free. That way consumers are better protected from themselves.

Don't sue them for this, but nail them for even *THINKING* of incorperating this technology in the Longhorn Server!!!!! OMG... where are you EU???

(1 reply) #10 Dayon on 03 Apr 2006 - 21:50

Yeah, It's for servers. We have one at work, it doesn't even have Audio.

#10.1 Gibwar on 03 Apr 2006 - 22:50

Quote - Dayon said @ #6.2

Yeah, It's for servers. We have one at work, it doesn't even have Audio.

Yeah, it is meant for servers, no accellerated video and no audio. But I do like how it runs in the background without any problems.

#11 ziggie216 on 03 Apr 2006 - 23:09

so for those who paid for it ealier got screwed over?

#12 spader on 04 Apr 2006 - 01:27

Is it only available free in the US? I have tried to get it from NZ and I only get the release notes....

#13 Lemonzest on 04 Apr 2006 - 03:09

i downloaded it and installed it (I'm from the UK) needs bloody IIS also Grr

#14 soothsayer on 04 Apr 2006 - 03:16

Awesome. I have no clue how to use this, but I'm gonna try it out anyway.

(1 reply) #15 CoolCatBad on 04 Apr 2006 - 04:09

Doesn't install on XP Home. *sob*

#15.1 markjensen on 04 Apr 2006 - 13:29

If you want to play with Virtual Computing on XP Home, you can use VMWare's Workstation.

(3 replies) #16 AndyMutz on 04 Apr 2006 - 07:40

i see no virtual server for download?! only the release notes and a pdf document..

#16.1 bsquirle on 04 Apr 2006 - 08:56

Scroll a bit up,
In the part "Instructions" go to step 2 en download the executables...

#16.2 AndyMutz on 04 Apr 2006 - 13:06

thanks!

#16.3 spader on 04 Apr 2006 - 19:59

Gee talk about RTFM....thanks guys I missed it too

#17 andrewhaji on 04 Apr 2006 - 15:23

Anyone know of any performance comparisons between VMware and Virtual Server?

#18 foxconn287 on 04 Apr 2006 - 22:59

I recommend people use both.
Last time I used GSX it wasn't too well integrated with IIS and you couldn't control the VMs too well. That's where Virtual Server comes in.
GSX has it perks and VS R2 has it perks.

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Microsoft releases Virtual Server 2005 R2 - Free Download

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