Compare Windows Server 2008 and R2 RTM Releases

Comparing releases of the plain vanilla Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 in your own environment has never been simpler. Microsoft has worked to streamline testing efforts as much as possible, and is providing a number of free downloads designed to let customers try out the latest two major iterations of Windows Server. And since the offerings come packaged as VHD files, setting up a testing environment is as simple as allocating resources for the guest operating systems.

No less than three virtual hard disk images are available via the Microsoft Download Center. Customers can grab Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition x64 (Full Install) VHD, Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition x86 (Full Install) VHD, and Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition x64 (Full Install) VHD. All three downloads come as pre-configured VHD files and are designed to allow customers to evaluate the respective editions of Windows Server.

“Download and evaluate Windows Server 2008. You’ll have the opportunity to try new and improved features and functionality of Windows Server 2008 free for 60 days. Please note that this product is available for evaluation purposes only and should not be used in a production environment,” Microsoft noted for the Windows Server 2008 VHD downloads.

“You’ll have the opportunity to try new and improved features and functionality of Windows Server 2008 R2 free for 180 days. Windows Server 2008 R2 builds on the award-winning foundation of Windows Server 2008, expanding existing technology and adding new features to enable IT professionals to increase the reliability and flexibility of their server infrastructures. New virtualization tools, Web resources, management enhancements, and exciting Windows 7 integration help save time, reduce costs, and provide a platform for a dynamic and efficiently managed data center. Powerful tools such as Internet Information Services (IIS) version 7.5, updated Server Manager and Hyper-V platforms and Windows PowerShell version 2.0 combine to give customers greater control, increased efficiency and the ability to react to front-line business needs faster than ever before,” the company explains in the overview accompanying the Windows Server 2008 R2 download.

In order to test drive the Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2008 R2 VHDs, customers will need to have in place Hyper-V, to accommodate the virtual images.

Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition x64 (Full Install) VHD, Windows Server 2008 Enterprise Edition x86 (Full Install) VHD, and Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Edition x64 (Full Install) VHD are available here.