Hi I am trying to learn about Windows 2008 OS and would like some test VM's running at home. I need to get the OS from somewhere though. I see MS offers a trial but that will run out eventually and don't really want to keep rebuilding my infrastructure. Is there anway to get a 'lab' version of the OS?

Hello, you have to get a DreamsPark account or a Technet / MSDN subscription. This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees , and confers no rights. Microsoft Student Partner 2010 / 2011 Microsoft Certified Professional Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator: Security Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer: Security Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Active Directory, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows Server 2008 Applications Infrastructure, Configuration Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Windows 7, Configuring Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Administrator

Hi, DreamsPark is available for students. Technet and MSDN subscription is not free. So if you want to get it free, the evaluation copy of Windows Server 2008 is your choice. By the way, you can extend the evaluation period to 240 days. That’s the enough for test purpose. How to extend the Windows Server 2008 evaluation period http://support.microsoft.com/kb/948472 Best Regards, Vincent Hu

Hello, free are only the trial version with time limit. In your case you have to sue Technet/MSDN which is not for free and has of course some license restrictions as they are not allowed for production use. Best regards Meinolf Weber Disclaimer: This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties or guarantees , and confers no rights.