Recommended Posts

There is absoutly NO reason for W2K8 to be a workstation... with SP1 anything that was in W2K8 has been updated to be the same in Vista... this is something they didnt do in XP with w2k3...

the kernel even in Vista was updated to match W2K8! which was the main reason for the w2k3 workstation thing...

even IIS7 was updated in vista to match the new version in w2k8...

all the performance is the same... now they are using the same exact code basically minus the server components...

so in the end there is no real reason for it

Is anyone doing a Win 2008 Server as a workstation guide?

That won't be published, of course?

I have it on a workstation - very impressive responsiveness compared to Vista, but I haven't installed the "desktop enhancements"

thanks --

Can you please show your testing method to show your claimed "very impressive responsiveness compared to Vista"

In Vista SP1, At a administrative command prompt, type 'net stop themes'.

You have now turned off the desktop experience.

Vista will operate like Windows Server 2008, only without most server components.

re: why

- same reason they had the 2k3 as a workstation guide - some people need the server components for everyday work.

re: show your testing method

- nothing to show - I have 2 identical dell workstations that sit side by side. one has vista pre-sp1, one has 2008. The speed difference, as I said in my post, is probably because of the desktop stuff not being on - and almost nothing is installed yet...

Sooo - I'm guessing that's a "no" -- nobody is working on one...

Thanks --

re: why

- same reason they had the 2k3 as a workstation guide - some people need the server components for everyday work.

re: show your testing method

- nothing to show - I have 2 identical dell workstations that sit side by side. one has vista pre-sp1, one has 2008. The speed difference, as I said in my post, is probably because of the desktop stuff not being on - and almost nothing is installed yet...

Sooo - I'm guessing that's a "no" -- nobody is working on one...

Thanks --

and what server components do you need? Terminal services? DNS? DHCP? MSMQ? IIS? A lot of them you can get in Vista with out wasting the money on server... IIS is there to start with in business... DNS and DHCP you generally get with a router... or a freeware tool... Terminal services... if you are running this on a workstation then you should rethink why (not talking remote desktop here)...

re: show your testing method

- nothing to show - I have 2 identical dell workstations that sit side by side. one has vista pre-sp1, one has 2008. The speed difference, as I said in my post, is probably because of the desktop stuff not being on - and almost nothing is installed yet...

The reason you probably see the speed difference is because your Vista desktop is pre-SP1. Install SP1 on it and it should run the same as Server 2008, except it will have the eye candy (which you can disable) and it won't have all the server components that you probably wouldn't use on a normal desktop.

Wow, it's amazing how fast you jumped down the guy's throat for wanting to use Server 2008 as a desktop OS. You want a reason?

HYPER-V

Google it. If any of you knew anything about Server 2008 you'd know that right there is reason enough for A LOT of people to want to use it as a desktop OS. It's the main reason I am using it as one. And don't bother countering with VMware. VMware Server doesn't work correctly with Vista x64, and Workstation doesn't allow VM's to run as services and launch at boot. Not to mention, Hyper-V is DAMN FAST in 2008, even in beta form.

And as for your insistence that Server 2008 is no faster than Vista just because it uses the same kernel, have any of you ACTUALLY TRIED running the two in comparable states? You say the speed difference is "probably because of the desktop stuff not being on." Go ahead, turn it all on. It still MUCH faster than Vista. I'm running 2008 with the Desktop Experience on, Aero Glass with full effects, AND THREE VIRTUAL MACHINES, (two running Server 2008, and one Vista x64 SP1, each with 1 CPU and 1GB of RAM) and the OS is STILL faster and more responsive than Vista SP1.

If you check out TheHotfix.net's forums, you'll see that people have pared down Vista's services to match 2008's running services and they are still getting upwards of 20FPS improvements in games like F.E.A.R.

Think of 2008 like this: Basically, Microsoft took Vista and streamlined and tweaked the hell out of it for a year, and made it as efficient as possible. Then they added in all the server role options. That's what Server 2008 is.

I have to say that I never bought into the "2003 Server as a workstation" scenario before, but if it yielded the kinds of performance gains I've gotten with 2008 vs. Vista, I completely understand now.

I know this is my first post, and I usually start off with something pleasant to say, but I had to back the OP up on this one. OP, just wait a bit. As more people discover what we have someone will make a great "how-to" for running 2008 as a workstation. I'm really only waiting for someone to hack DreamScene and/or Media Center into it and I'd be happy as a clam!

What the price of a Server 2008 license ? , can one buy a single license ?, I think it would be too costly.

Most users will probably get it from MSDN or Academic MSDN (I get XP, 2003 Server, Vista Business free). It will cost probably as much as 2003 Server, maybe $800 for a 5CAL OEM.

Think of 2008 like this: Basically, Microsoft took Vista and streamlined and tweaked the hell out of it for a year, and made it as efficient as possible. Then they added in all the server role options. That's what Server 2008 is.

Think of Vista SP1 like this: They brought the Server '08 and Vista code branches back together, so in a LOT of cases, the code you're running on Vista SP1 will be exactly the same as with Server '08.

Think of Vista SP1 like this: They brought the Server '08 and Vista code branches back together, so in a LOT of cases, the code you're running on Vista SP1 will be exactly the same as with Server '08.

Hmm, yeah.. except a lot of un-necessary services are disabled on Server 2008 at Default, unlike Windows Vista where a lot of those services are enabled (or set to manual -which still loads it into memory) for compatibility reasons.

just install Vista SP1...kill the services...then you will be just as fast at Server......when XP and 2k3 were out, there was a valid reason to run 2k3 as a desktop OS...it was faster with better memory management...thats not the case anymore, Vista and Server 08 have teh same codebase, the ONLY difference is Vista got end user tools added in, Server has Admin tools added in. The only "speed increase" is that Server has some of Vistas services off by default.

There were a lot of complaining from so called knowledgeable people here last time regarding 2003 and I can safely say they were all proven wrong.

2003 and of course xp x64 which was based on 2003 were a lot better than XP in a lot of ways, not compatibillity though but those were problems artificially created by software firms to take more money from people who want to use the software on a server OS.

In this case however, it's probably mostly the same as Vista, but if you don't have to pay for the license, then why not use 2008?

I use 2008 server as a desktop OS right now, though it also works as a server some of the time, at least I plan to use it that way.

It's easy to manage and there isn't so much crap by default settings.

Just install firefox, install desktop experience, disable shutdown tracker, and it's pretty much the same thing. (enable themes and win audio services too)

just install Vista SP1...kill the services...then you will be just as fast at Server......when XP and 2k3 were out, there was a valid reason to run 2k3 as a desktop OS...it was faster with better memory management...thats not the case anymore, Vista and Server 08 have teh same codebase, the ONLY difference is Vista got end user tools added in, Server has Admin tools added in. The only "speed increase" is that Server has some of Vistas services off by default.

not really. i installed vista last friday, and with sp1 it takes 17gb. win 2008 on the other hand only 5gb.

anyway those tips from server 2003 as workstation + the ones about 2008 makes a complete package :)

not really. i installed vista last friday, and with sp1 it takes 17gb. win 2008 on the other hand only 5gb.

anyway those tips from server 2003 as workstation + the ones about 2008 makes a complete package :)

Sounds like media center & the other desktop software that isn't installed on server.

Unless you're developing software, Windows server 2008 is overkill. It's like choosing Windows 2000 Server over Windows 2000 Pro, they are the same codebase.

why 2k8? same as 2003 + more new features - Hyper-v, enterprise versions of databases, development testing, all on one box..

Thanks for the pointers!

Vijayshinva's blog entry was pretty much what I was thinking -- I wasn't aware of the audio service (don't listen on those machines...)

As a developer who also likes to play games, would you guys recommend a dual-boot between 2008 and Vista, or are most games that are compatible with Vista compatible with 2008? Are there any issues/regrets with using 2008 over Vista as a workstation OS? Driver support/application compatibility/etc?

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • 10 games join Xbox Free Play Days this weekend by Pulasthi Ariyasinghe Another Free Play Days offer has just landed, and this one is a unique one. On top of offering 10 games to jump into for Xbox players, all the titles are from a single publisher: No More Robots. The promotion has games like Little Rocket Lab, Spirittea, Descenders Next, Let's Build a Zoo, and much more. Almost every game in the selection does need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, or Essential subscription, so keep this in mind when browsing. Many of the titles are Xbox Play Anywhere titles though, so both Xbox console and PC players can jump in. Here's how the announcement blog post described some of the available titles: There is one game that's available to all Xbox players without the need for any subscriptions, which is Descenders. Here are the announced games and the platforms they are available to play on: Little Rocket Lab (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) Spirittea (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) Soccer Story (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) Descenders Next (Game Preview) (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) Let's Build a Zoo (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) Hypnospace Outlaw (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath: Vengance of the Slayer (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) Nowhere Prophet (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) Family Man (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One) Descenders (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC) To easily find the titles on Xbox consoles, first head to the Store, then in the sidebar, find the Home section. In there, open the Subscriptions tab. The Free Play Days collection will show up in this area. This week's Free Play Days promotions will end on Sunday, June 7, at 11:59 pm PT.
    • It STILL has horrid theme support. Hard to look at for me. The white is too bright, and the black too dark. I'm using classic outlook for the Dark Grey theme. It's just right for me.
    • inb4 someone leaves the usual "what an unfortunate name" comment
    • Cuktech 10 Ultra charger review: big display, four ports, 110W total power by Taras Buria Cuktech recently announced a couple of Ultra-branded chargers, including a desktop 300W charger, which I reviewed a few weeks ago. For those who do need that much (or who do not want to spend that much on a charger), Cuktech also offers the 10 Ultra, a traditional wall charger with similar features. Four ports, a big display, and up to 110W of power output. After using it for a few weeks, here are my impressions. Disclaimer: Cuktech provided the review unit without any editorial input or pre-approval. Like the 30 Ultra, the 10 Ultra arrived in a box made of nice cardboard with quality print all over it. Inside, besides the charger, you will find a 240W 6A charger, which, this time, is fully braided. While Cuktech always bundles high-power cables with its chargers and power banks, they are usually regular and unassuming. This time, the cable is much nicer, matching the charger's $59.99 price tag. The charger itself measures 67 x 76 x 33 mm or 2.6 x 3.0 x 1.3 inches and weighs about 250 grams. Considering the charger has four ports and a big display, I would say the compact size is quite impressive, albeit a little hefty. The overall design is similar to other chargers from the manufacturer, minus the chrome Cuktech logo next to the four ports. The Cuktech 10 Ultra has retractable prongs for better portability. Its front side is covered with piano black plastic housing two elements: a capacitive button with backlight and a quite large display for various charging stats. Ports are downward-facing, and I have mixed feelings about such a design. It is not the most convenient when you frequently connect and disconnect cables. It makes you bend over to find the right port to connect, and it is a no-go with outlets mounted closer to the floor. On the bright side, design like this eliminates clutter and sagging, especially when using four cables at once. Plus, you get plenty of space for a big display. Ports include two high-speed USB Type-C ports, one Type-C for less demanding devices, and one classic USB Type-A. The first two ports deliver full 100W, while the third is capped at 45W. As for the Type-A port, its maximum output is 18W. In total, the charger delivers 110W of power, but in my testing, I managed to squeeze 117W when charging two power banks and a tablet. Quite impressive. Type-C1 Type-C2 Type-C3 Type-A Single-port 100W 100W 45W 18W Two ports 80W 20W - - Three ports 65W 20W 20W - Four ports 65W 20W 10W 10W The charger can detect handshake protocols and balance power across all four ports according to each device's needs. As such, power is not limited to the values in the table above. You can have two ports charging at 55W, three ports at 45W + 20W, and more. For some reason, Cuktech is not listing the supported protocols, but a quick test showed that it is compatible with PD3.0, PPS, QC5, DCP, and UFCS. When you connect a compatible device, the charger automatically detects its charging standard and displays it on the screen, for example, Apple 6A or Samsung 3A. Speaking of the screen. The main highlight of the 10 Ultra is its 1.57-inch display with a maximum brightness of 700 nits and 160-degree viewing angles. The display takes up most of the front, and it shows various charging-related information, including total output power, current temperature, power distribution across ports with watts, volts, and amps, a screensaver, and more. You can toggle between the different views by tapping the button, and holding it changes the screen orientation (portrait or horizontal, plus flipped) according to your socket position. The screen is very nice. It is sharp, vivid, and the fonts are easy to read. As for settings, you can change the following: Keep the screen on or off Lock the screen orientation (hold the button to change the screen orientation) Keep the USB Type-A port on Toggle power modes The charger has three power modes: AI: standard mode that automatically allocates power to each connected device. Power Priority: prioritizes power for high-demand devices, such as laptops or power banks. Balanced: splits power evenly across connected devices according to their needs I was skeptical at first, but after testing a few devices in different modes, I can see the benefit of these three modes. The most useful is power priority, which gives the first Type-C port more power. When I was charging a 100W power bank (port 1) alongside a 140W power bank (port 2), Power Priority split the total output about 75-30. Balanced mode, as the name suggests, splits the total output between the two ports more or less equally. As for AI mode, the charger uses its brain to detect which device needs more power. In my testing, it figured out that the 140W power needs a bit more juice. As I said, I expected this to be more of a gimmick, but the three built-in modes turned out quite useful. For example, you can prioritize your laptop while giving other ports a little less power, but still enough to charge at acceptable speeds. Unfortunately, unlike the 30 Ultra, this charger cannot display the battery level of the device being charged. This small feature turned out to be very useful when I was testing the 30 Ultra, as it allowed me to see my phone's battery level without picking it up. Like other Cuktech chargers I tested, the 10 Ultra one proved itself reliable and well-made. It uses Gallium nitride semiconductor technology to reduce the charger's size and improve efficiency. It is also better at dissipating heat, but I have to say that when charging two power banks at 117W total, the charger got hotter than what I would call comfortable (hold it for a few seconds, and you start feeling a burning sensation at your fingertips). However, the built-in thermal indicator remained below the temperature threshold, with the screen reassuring that the device operated at "High performance" (I tested it in a 21 °C / 69 °F room). Overall, the Cuktech 10 Ultra is a solid choice. If you need four ports and you like to nerd out on various stats, it is a very easy recommendation. It will take care of your laptop, phone, tablet, and power bank without breaking a sweat, plus the build, material, and cable quality are top-notch. The mode switcher is handy when charging different devices with different power needs, too. I cannot say a display is a must-have in a charger, especially when it makes you more conscious about where to plug it, but it is a neat addition if you have a socket at your table or bed level, so that you can actually use the display and its features. The more important fact is that despite its size and quality, the display does not make the charger that much more expensive than similarly powerful chargers from competitors. Plus, you can save 10% on the 10 Ultra with a promo code on Amazon. Buy Cuktech 10 Ultra charger - $53.99 on Amazon with a promo code As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • Last week I was investigating an issue with contacts and tried using the new Outlook. In the real (Classic) Outlook, you can easily go to any Outlook folder and present it in a Table View, then customize the columns to show/sort any field, which was exactly what I needed. But of course, the new Outlook doesn't have this feature at all. I gave up. Oh, and can we possibly stop claiming the new Outlook has PST support? What it really has is the ability to use the real Outlook in the background to pretend to have PST support. There is no PST support without the real Outlook installed.
  • Recent Achievements

    • Conversation Starter
      mobandz earned a badge
      Conversation Starter
    • Apprentice
      fernan99 went up a rank
      Apprentice
    • One Month Later
      nothanks earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Month Later
      B2Proxy earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Year In
      MadMung0 earned a badge
      One Year In
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      476
    2. 2
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      247
    3. 3
      Skyfrog
      79
    4. 4
      FloatingFatMan
      76
    5. 5
      Michael Scrip
      60
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!