I'm new to servers, and can't find the answer to my question elsewhere. I have a powerful Windows PC that I currently (but only occasionally) use to run important programs. I want to convert this PC to a server with Windows Server 2008. Will it still be possible to run my Windows-based programs in the server OS?

there are possible restrictions (like per default, on a server the audio service isnt running) but win2k8/vista and w2k8 r2/win7 use the same kernel, so applications running on the desktop have a fair chance to run on the server os as well. to get a more specific answer, it would help to know what you try to run

depends you have to check the compatibility fro the third party applications in windows 2008. lets say that your previous oprating system was windows xp and you would like to run the same application on windows 2008 then it may have problems. Please specify the application you would like to use http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/third-party.aspxhttp://www.virmansec.com/blogs/skhairuddin

Hi, You’d better contact your program manufacturer to confirm whether they are compatible with Windows Server 2008. You can also check on the compatibilities this site: http://www.windowsservercatalog.com/results.aspx?bCatId=1372&avc=10 Tim Quan

Thanks. I'm checking with the program vendors, but most don't explicitly mention their products being compatible. But it is good to know that there is a chance that they will. The software in question is: LMS Virtual Lab ESI's VAOne Altair's HyperMesh None of these show up on Microsoft's list of compatible third-party applications, but I realize that doesn't mean they won't work. I don't suppose anyone has experience with this particular software?