I am looking for a cheap copy of Windows Server 2012 for my boy.

 

He has all the knowledge to use a server and is getting into administering it - but Ubuntu is still a little too complex (no interface for him for most things) so I thought being able to visualise the system might help.

 

I really don't want to pay mega bucks for a copy when he just wants to play around with it, break it, reinstall it, etc..

 

I have a HP home server running Ubuntu 14.04 -so thought the best way to go would be to virtualise Windows Server 2012 under that - then take snapshots so if he really does muck it up I can get him back up and running in minutes.

 

Unfortunately primary schools don't seem to be included in the Educational Licensing - so I'd have to fork out full price :(

 

He may only be 9 - but for a 9 year old to show such an interest in the workings of an operating system, I would be remiss as a parent not to nurture this.

 

If anyone knows of a way / place I can buy a copy cheap - or just buy a license and download the DVD - I'd be really greatful.  And when little George is finally making his millions - I'll be sure to let him know helped make this happen.

 

 

Anyone got a copy lying around they want to sell to further a childs edumacation? ;o)

 

Have you tried Microsoft's Dreamspark page?

 

They give out free software provided you're in education, including programming languages and server operating systems.

 

I got all sorts of free software back when I was a student.

 

https://www.dreamspark.com/

I don't know what they define as a student, but according to their website, you can sign up using:

 

You can verify your student status in one of five ways:

• Either with your school email address (domain)
• With your school network credentials
• With a verification code 
• With an ISIC card
• Or can supply documentation

https://www.dreamspark.com/Product/Product.aspx?productid=42

Yes I looked into this.

 

His school isn't listed.

You can get a 180-day trial - will that do the trick in the short-term?

 

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/evalcenter/hh670538.aspx

Thanks Loada.

 

Downloading that now - will see how this pans out under a virtual machine.

 

I have registered on DreamSpark and just emailed them asking how I go about verifying him.

 

Will see what happens.

Dreamspark/MSDNAA is definitely the way to go, but as far as i'm aware its normally reserved for higher education and its the institute that registers not the individual.

Bit of a problem with that.

 

The download wants me to download a .exe when I select the VHD file.  Which would be fine on a Windows machine, alas I am not on one.

 

I am now trying the ISO which does let me download an ISO file.

Dreamspark/MSDNAA is definitely the way to go, but as far as i'm aware its normally reserved for higher education and its the institute that registers not the individual.

 

Dreamspark website states KS12 and Primary School - Maybe "Primary school" has a different meaning in the USA?

Hi,

 

I have an ISO with Windows 2012 which as you know will run for a set period of days before asking you to license it. Would you like a copy of the ISO?

 

Of course it will not come with a license key as this would be illegal but it will give your son days to play with the OS

 

Give me a shout if you want it and I will upload the ISO and share the URL

Hi,

I have an ISO with Windows 2012 which as you know will run for a set period of days before asking you to license it. Would you like a copy of the ISO?

Of course it will not come with a license key as this would be illegal but it will give your son days to play with the OS

Give me a shout if you want it and I will upload the ISO and share the URL

If you don't mind.

I downloaded the iso from Microsoft and tried to install it. It just keeps freezing when configuring roles. Corrupt download? Or doesn't llike the fact is running on a virtual machine? Who knows. Will give yours s try s0nix. Message me if you don't want to publicise the link. I will download tonight as I am out all day today sorting out my late father's home and belongings. Cheers buddy.

No worries, give me a day or so to upload.

 

What VM were you trying to run it on? Should run fine on ESXI.

Cheers matey. Using virtualbox.

Just a heads up Server 2012 can be quite unstable. If you can get 2012 R2 it would be better, or 2008 r2.

Dreamspark website states KS12 and Primary School - Maybe "Primary school" has a different meaning in the USA?

 

Ah, I wasn't aware they offered it to schools.. handy to know.

 

The other thing to consider might be the free trial of Microsoft Azure and let M$ handle the VM.

Dear Mr S0nix,

 

I wouldn't mind a share of the ISO too please. 

Just a heads up Server 2012 can be quite unstable. If you can get 2012 R2 it would be better, or 2008 r2.

 

Thanks..  Might be a great exercise for him - "Opps it crashed, update time"

Unfortunately Microsoft pulled there TechNet program last year which left a lot of the community without software that would last or no 128 trial rubbish... I have an ISO copy of 2012r2 but again not license key as it would be illegal for me to hand over.

This is the link for Server 2012R2 http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/evalcenter/dn205286.aspx and lasts for 180 days (longer than the grace periods of most non eval versions).

A number of people have said they cannot give me a license key - I completely understand that you cannot hand over them.  That would be like handing over the keys to your precious Skoda  :no:

 

I was just looking for advice on obtaining something my little lad can play with.

 

Seriously though - for a bloke that specialises in Microsoft C# and .NET - I've not played with server technology in a long while - so I'm now learning things as well.

 

Thanks guys.

This is the link for Server 2012R2 http://technet.microsoft.com/en-gb/evalcenter/dn205286.aspx and lasts for 180 days (longer than the grace periods of most non eval versions).

 

Did not notice this were still being allowed for download... 

 

good find.

Did not notice this were still being allowed for download... 

 

good find.

I think that they need to keep the 180 day evals for Microsoft training/certification purposes.

MS server is a good idea to get your son interested, but a lot of industry use Linux (as I'm sure you know) and if he is already using and likes Ubuntu why not look at setting up a CentOS 7 server for him to play with? Maybe just me but redhat/centos server skills might be more valuable than MS?

Im not bias to either but where I work I see higher demand for Linux people than windows...

MS server is a good idea to get your son interested, but a lot of industry use Linux (as I'm sure you know) and if he is already using and likes Ubuntu why not look at setting up a CentOS 7 server for him to play with? Maybe just me but redhat/centos server skills might be more valuable than MS?

Im not bias to either but where I work I see higher demand for Linux people than windows...

 

Interesting, where I work it seems to be Windows that is currently the flavour of choice.

 

I think Windows is just so much easier to use than Linux personally.