I’m looking to add a Windows Server to my home lab. I remember when I used to program that there were Developer versions of the server software for a whole lot less. I got my Windows 10 licenses via Kinguin for cheap but they don’t offer Server software. I’m thinking the Essentials version isn’t going to be for me as I want the Experience Role functionality that has been removed in Essentials. The 6 months trial for development isn’t what I need either.

Is there a way to get something like Windows Server 2019 Standard for a more reasonable price? Are the $40 copies on eBay legitimate? That’s like a 95% discount and I’m skeptical.

No $40 Software is not legit.
Trial versions last for a while, then wipe and reinstall. You can get in house full versions for becoming a Microsoft Partner but that starts at $500 a year.

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:
No $40 Software is not legit.
Trial versions last for a while, then wipe and reinstall. You can get in house full versions for becoming a Microsoft Partner but that starts at $500 a year.

That’s what I figured. It’s not worth $500 every year for me. Thank you.

FWIW, W10 does a lot of what server does.
It depends what you need it for.
The difference is the limitation of 10 simultaneous connections.
Pro Version not Home.
Additionally, MS Server software isn't approved for desktop hardware but in most all cases it will definitely run on it.
Server hardware such as with Xeon processors will support ECC memory, etc.
But Server 2019 can be easily evaluated for 180 days > https://www.microsoft.com/en-u...-windows-server-2019
Try it out.
Good Luck.

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:
FWIW, W10 does a lot of what server does.
It depends what you need it for.
The difference is the limitation of 10 simultaneous connections.
Pro Version not Home.
Additionally, MS Server software isn't approved for desktop hardware but in most all cases it will definitely run on it.
Server hardware such as with Xeon processors will support ECC memory, etc.
But Server 2019 can be easily evaluated for 180 days > https://www.microsoft.com/en-u...-windows-server-2019
Try it out.
Good Luck.

I’ll check it out. Maybe I’m barking up the wrong tree though.

Windows Server 2019 Essentials (For small business - 25 users) for $359.00.

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