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Do you think there would be a benefit to Windows Server 2008 then, over Win 7 Pro? From what I can google, Win 7 will support all the hardware in this HP server (bios, raid controller, north/south bridge, dual xeons, nics, etc.). Surely there has to be a reason why people shell out $700+ for W2k8, then again, those aren't typically none business/enterprise type of settings. <shrug>
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Virtualization support – Server 2008 R2 offers you the ability to run legacy Microsoft OS (i.e Windows XP) in a virtual environment without having to reboot and switch between the two physically. Hyper-V was built for the purpose of running multiple roles (FTP, Web, AD, etc) on a virtual platform to reduce on operating costs. It eliminated the need to run a physical server for each individual role. There is a workaround however. There is great 3rd party tool called VMWare which offers great support and even more benefits such as support for home editions of Windows, Mac support, and 3D acceleration. However your intentions were to use VMWare, Windows 7 could run this same tool as well.
Reduced memory footprint – Windows Server 2008 R2 does not come with those additional features exclusive in Windows 7 (i.e Media Center, Superfetch, etc) so its processes are stripped down and as a result uses less memory.
Remote Access Capabilities – With Server 2008 R2 you can create a VPN tunnel and remotely access your network away from the house.
Security Enforcement – Use group policy to restrict the level of access each user on the computer has access to.
2008 server is just that, a server, it's built around the need to keep alive for long periods of time, using the smallest footprint it can possibly use.
From my experience, I ran an EQ server from Windows 7 on the same box I recently put 2008R2 on, 16gb of ram, i7 8core, solid state blah blah blah.
I noticed with Windows 7 I was running into memory issues, even with 16gb of ram. Had 130 Static zones up, and 40 dynamics ready to go.
Had a population of around 15-20 people for 3 days on average.
Now, Running windows 2008 R2 same specs
I'm running the same 130 static zones, and 40 dynamics.
I've had a constant 25-30 people on.
I'm currently maxing out at 8.5 gb of ram, thats even with Apache, and various other things, such as Teamspeak+Mumble, and misc software all loaded.
If this were Windows 7, which is bloated with useless things a server doesn't need
(media player, multiple useless drivers, whatever you have)
It would be beyond it's stressing point.
To mention, I am also running a loginserver. The database is on a different machine.