Do note that the download will be big – normally between 1 to 5 GB. Although it’s mentioned as trial software, the installed copy of Windows Server 2008 can be activated with a valid and genuine product key and used as full version product with no expiry date or grace period for activation.įor convenient, here’s the direct download links from official Microsoft Download Center server for all editions of Windows Server 2008. Microsoft provides free download to various editions of Windows Server 2008 trial software for users and developers to evaluate and try the Windows Server 2008 free for initial 60 days (extendable to 240 days), without the need for product activation or entering a product key).

Windows Server 2008 features Server Manager that provides a unified management console for simplified and streamlined server setup, configuration, and ongoing management Windows PowerShell command-line shell for automating routine system administration tasks across multiple servers Windows Deployment Services enables rapid deployment of the operating system via network-based installations Windows Server 2008 Failover Clustering wizards full Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) support consolidated management of Network Load Balancing Server Core installation option for installation of server roles with only the necessary components and subsystems without a graphical user interface built-in hypervisor-based server virtualization of Windows Server Hyper-V built-in Internet Information Services (IIS) 7.0 plus various security enhancements and high performance computing (HPC) environment. Windows Server 2008 builds on the success and strengths of its predecessor Windows Server 2003, and also the new technology implemented in Service Pack 1 (SP1) and Windows Server 2003 R2, while delivering valuable new functionality and powerful improvements to the base operating system to provide solid foundation for information technology (IT) infrastructure. Microsoft Windows Server 2008 is the next generation of Windows Server series of operating system.

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