Networknet.nl

Today I installed my first Windows Server 2008 RTM release in ESX3i. My MSDN subscription helped me to active the server ;-). The performance of the guest is pretty good.

For more details check out my screencast.

This morning I received the following thanks email from Microsoft Connect team.  I am downloading the RTM version and Iwill refresh my lab machines with the latest release of Windows Server 2008. One thing I am really excited to test is the clustered Hyver-V. Robert Larson did post howto and I will try to get this thing up and running soon.

• Thanks to you, our dedicated beta participants, this is the most tested version of Windows Server ever released!!
  Windows Server 2008 has an array of new features and technologies that are too numerous to list completely, but some of the highlights are:
  • Internet Information Services (IIS) 7.0 - next gen web and app platform
  • Server Core - key roles, low footprint, no GUI
  • Terminal Services Gateway - access your apps without a RAS client
  • Network Access Protection - keep your network safe from un-healthy clients
  • PowerShell - powerful scripting tools for admins
  • Failover Clustering - improved cluster management, security, and stability
  • Next Generation Net Stack - fast and reliable
  • Server Manager - setup & manage server roles and features in one place
  • Read-Only Domain Controller - safe branch office DCs
  • Hyper-V Beta - server virtualization. Hyper-V RTM in 180 days

The Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V hypervisor from Microsoft has couple of important CPU requirements before you will be able to get the Hyper-V role installed.

Hyper-v requires specific hardware. You will need the following:

• An x64-based processor. Hyper-V will be available only in the x64-based versions of Windows Server 2008-specifically, the x64-based versions of Windows Server 2008 Standard, Windows Server 2008 Enterprise, and Windows Server 2008 Datacenter.

• Hardware-assisted virtualization. This is available in processors that include a virtualization option; specifically, Intel VT or AMD Virtualization (AMD-V, formerly code-named “Pacifica”).

• Hardware Data Execution Protection (DEP) must be available and be enabled. Specifically, you must enable Intel XD bit (execute disable bit) or AMD NX bit (no execute bit).

Before you download and install the Windows Server 2008 x64 RC candidate builds I would suggest to download this CrystalCPUID tool and verify your CPU extensions available.

I run the tool on a Lenovo ThinkCentre M57 6072-A5G system based on a Intel Core 2 Duo system.

VT, Intel 64 and NX/XD extensions are marked.