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Virtual Windows desktops question

Tags:
  • Windows
  • Media Server
  • Desktops
  • Business Computing
Last response: in Business Computing
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September 22, 2013 11:43:17 AM

Hello.

Bit of a virtualisation newb, so thought I'd ask questions here.

Wanting to move into IT so I'm in the process of learning some things, and wanted to have a media server so thought i'd combine learning new skills and keeping myself in media...

So what I want to do is thus:

5 - 6 Raspberry Pi's runnings Thin Clients
1 server supplying windows 7 desktops for it.

So I've come up with a spec for the server

Intel Xeon E3 1245 v2
32GB 1600mhz DDR3
MSI Z77MA-G45 motherboard
4x 2TB RAID array
128gb SSD
Case/PSU/optical drive/etc

But I'm stuck on the OS choices.

Now I realise that by using some dual-boot clevernessess I can play with setting up things in multiple OSes in a way that works...

So which operating systems will be best suited to this? I want to do it in Windows Server 2012 - but there's a lot of versions, and the MS website is unclear on which ones do what and how. Also want a Linux server - possibly Redhat? Opinions? Ideas?

Rather hoping that this will turn out to be pretty good for my CV to be able to say I've set up a cloud server capable of running multiple instances of a proper and recognisable desktops and maintaining such a server - ok for viewing websites, watching Netflix, browsing web-pages etc but proof of concept is still proof enough for a CV.

Thanks

More about : virtual windows desktops question

September 22, 2013 3:39:41 PM

We need to step back a bit and first take a look at the hardware configuration you are looking at. If you're looking to use an Intel Xeon E3 1245 processor, you should be looking at an Intel Xeon compatible motherboard and chipset, instead of the desktop platform. Except on very few rare occasions, most desktop Z77 motherboards will not support Xeon processors. Also with this system you should be sure to use ECC memory for the best compatibility. ECC Registered is the best solution, but you can use unbuffered RAM with this processor to help with the overall cost.

Running multiple OSes on your server may be most simplified by installing two completely different HDDs or SSDs, one for each host operating system. You can either boot by selecting the proper boot device or use a boot manager. Windows Server 2012 Standard is what you will need if you want to work with virtualization, as the cheaper Essentials version does not include Hyper-V capabilities. However, for a home lab environment I know that WS 2012 Standard can be pretty expensive. You can also install Hyper-V within Windows 8 Professional if that is how you'd rather go. The difference here is that WS 2012 Standard includes licensing for two virtual machines using that same license key, while Windows 8 Professional would require you to purchase individual licenses for each virtual machine.

On the cheap and easy route you can set up your host operating system with Windows 8 Pro, run Hyper-V, and create one VM for Windows 7/8 for each of your end users or computers, purchasing a Windows 7/8 license for each VM. However, there's a lot of functionality for virtualization, network management, and other roles that come with Windows Server 2012 that you won't have access to within Windows 8. So, if you're wanting to get more out of your system than just virtualizing Windows desktops (such as domain services or web hosting) then you'd need to upgrade to the Windows Server 2012 Standard licensing.
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September 22, 2013 10:12:05 PM

This is pretty darned handy information.

Some more clarification

1 - I checked the motherboard, and given that it was one of the cheaper mATX (to fit the case) that still had the ports I wanted I'm in luck, there's support for the Xeon (there's a specific BIOS update for it, but it's in the supported CPU list). Will there be other issues using a desktop board I should be aware of? Perhaps performance issues?

2 - Memory. What's the performance difference like between ECC and Non-ECC? If there's no reason not to go for Kingston ValueRAM then the price difference is negligible (£287 for ECC ValueRAM or £247 for the Corsair heat-spreader equipped stuff)

3 - I'd not thought of using Windows 8 Pro and using Hyper-V ... but I really think I'd learn more transferable skills mastering a proper server OS. I have a friend who runs an IT department (unfortunately not a big enough one to give me a job so I can learn on site) who can hopefully get me an at least discounted edition of Windows Server... If not then all my learning expenses are being budgeted for in a bank loan if I have to increase the amount a little then so be it... a little extra debt is worth it if I can get into a career... current job pays enough that I've got some leeway
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September 23, 2013 6:47:58 AM

Utilizing a desktop-class motherboard for a Xeon system shouldn't see any real disadvantage. The chipsets generally are pretty close to the same anymore on that platform. However, I'm not really sure about using the ECC versus non-ECC memory on that motherboard. From what was listed in the compatibility with the Xeon processors, I think that it requires unbuffered ECC memory, but I don't know if that is supported on the desktop motherboard, so you may be alright using the non-ECC memory. You might consider purchasing just a very small capacity of one or the other (whichever is cheaper, such as a 2 GB DDR3 1333 dimm) and see if the system is able to boot properly. Then you can make your full memory purchase as necessary.

For learning JUST Hyper-V Windows 8 Pro would be alright to use. However, in a business environment you are often going to need to know more than that, such as domain control features, group policy, or perhaps more advanced features built within Windows Server like the integrated Windows Server Backup Utility. For this I would recommend making the investment in WS 2012 Standard.
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