Free Windows Virtual Server 64-bit only - Page 2

freedog96150 · 26. Mar 2010, 01:32 AM

My motto - there are no bad questions.

My personal observations on Hyper-V is that it really holds its own against the more mature products on the market. The one area that Hyper-V really excels at is full integration into MS Active Directory environments at the hypervisor level. You do not get that with VM or Xen. Hyper-V, out of the box, is definitely easier to secure in an MS networking environment. They do make a big deal about their "Live Migration" features. Live Migration would be taking a working (physical) server/computer and clicking a button and converting to a virtual machine. Really not that impressive of a technology as most major virtual servers offer this feature (called P2V conversions). Also, no way to load old version of Windows such as 2000 Pro or 98, although why anyone would I have no clue.

In comparison -

VMWare ESXi: My personal favorite right now. ESXi will allow you to load all known OS variants (I have win7, Vista and XP as well as a variety of Linux VM's). They also still maintain an older code base (3.5.x) for 32-bit servers, but require 64-bit on their newer versions. One very real advantage to ESXi is that there are plenty of free VM's just waiting to be downloaded and run.

XEN: You get the most tools with this hypervisor for free. many of their tools that compare to VM and MS enterprise tools that cost real dollars. The hypervisor is very quick, the install is easy. Like VMWare, you can load a large selection of Guest OS without trouble. The deal breaker for me is that Xen does not use on-board storage in a default setup. You have to resort to forum hunting and a complex set of *specialized for Xen* Linux commands to mount your on-board storage. Too many of my servers have 100+GB on-board drives and I hate wasting space. Yes, it is always better to have your VM space on the network NAS/SAN, but this is not always relevant or possible in small business environment.

My observations are mine and your mileage may vary.

tushR · 15. May 2010, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freedog96150

One very real advantage to ESXi is that there are plenty of free VM's just waiting to be downloaded and run.

What do you mean by that

?

freedog96150 · 15. May 2010, 06:46 PM

Guess I should have used the term appliances. See http://www.vmware.com/appliances for a list of all virtual appliances that are available. Many are free.

tushR · 16. May 2010, 01:11 AM

Got it, thanks.

15. May 2010, 06:46 PM	#13 (permalink)
freedog96150 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Not Vegas Posts: 111	Guess I should have used the term appliances. See http://www.vmware.com/appliances for a list of all virtual appliances that are available. Many are free. __________________ "Without fear, there is no courage"

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26. Mar 2010, 01:32 AM	#11 (permalink)
freedog96150 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Not Vegas Posts: 111	My motto - there are no bad questions. My personal observations on Hyper-V is that it really holds its own against the more mature products on the market. The one area that Hyper-V really excels at is full integration into MS Active Directory environments at the hypervisor level. You do not get that with VM or Xen. Hyper-V, out of the box, is definitely easier to secure in an MS networking environment. They do make a big deal about their "Live Migration" features. Live Migration would be taking a working (physical) server/computer and clicking a button and converting to a virtual machine. Really not that impressive of a technology as most major virtual servers offer this feature (called P2V conversions). Also, no way to load old version of Windows such as 2000 Pro or 98, although why anyone would I have no clue. In comparison - VMWare ESXi: My personal favorite right now. ESXi will allow you to load all known OS variants (I have win7, Vista and XP as well as a variety of Linux VM's). They also still maintain an older code base (3.5.x) for 32-bit servers, but require 64-bit on their newer versions. One very real advantage to ESXi is that there are plenty of free VM's just waiting to be downloaded and run. XEN: You get the most tools with this hypervisor for free. many of their tools that compare to VM and MS enterprise tools that cost real dollars. The hypervisor is very quick, the install is easy. Like VMWare, you can load a large selection of Guest OS without trouble. The deal breaker for me is that Xen does not use on-board storage in a default setup. You have to resort to forum hunting and a complex set of specialized for Xen Linux commands to mount your on-board storage. Too many of my servers have 100+GB on-board drives and I hate wasting space. Yes, it is always better to have your VM space on the network NAS/SAN, but this is not always relevant or possible in small business environment. My observations are mine and your mileage may vary.

16. May 2010, 01:11 AM	#14 (permalink)
tushR Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bangalore Posts: 187	Got it, thanks.