Windows Server 2008 R2 RC has been providing downloads for some time, and in Microsoft's version number, RC represents release candidate, the candidate release version, which is the closest to a formal release. From the RC version to the official version, the operating system features and features will not be particularly significant changes, in general, just to fix some bugs.
According to the Microsoft Server System Roadmap, Windows Server 2008 R2 will not be released until 2010, which means that from the RC version to the official version there is about a year. Microsoft has provided the RC version for a year or so of the public test time, or more cautious. The RC version is mirrored around 3GB, and the mirror contains Web, standard, Enterprise, and Datacenter Editions. The default installation is to provide a 30-day probationary period, and no activation and input sequence number is required. If you want to try longer, Microsoft offers a set of serial numbers that you can try until May 1, 2010.
Mirrored download Address: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=a4e21e2e-e992-4aec-9ed4-086de21632a2&displaylang=en
Serial number for extended probation period:
Web version: RBBKH-BVD6B-74FV9-RYPJ7-TCFXB
Standard Version: Q7y83-w4fvq-6mc6c-6qqtd-tpm88
Enterprise Version: Q7y83-w4fvq-6mc6c-6qqtd-tpm88
Data Center version: MW6C7-2MYCB-PF3DK-VCQ2W-XGWFP
The Windows Server 2008 R2 RC provides only 64-bit versions and no longer supports a 32-bit hardware environment. When using mirrored installations, be careful to select the version you want. If the user installed Vista system, the win 2008 R2 RC installation will not be unfamiliar, the installation process is more rapid, than the installation of WIN 2003 fast many.
After the installation is successful, you will be prompted to change your logon password, and the default blank password cannot be logged in. Note that win 2008 requires a complex password: no less than 6 characters, needs to contain numbers, letters, and special characters, such as "123ABC," which cannot be logged in if the password you enter does not meet complexity requirements. If the win 2008 system is installed for the first time, this issue needs to be noted.
1, a more beautiful user interface
After the first logon, you will find that the initial interface of R2 RC and Windows Server 2008 slightly changed, the fast-enabled icons on the taskbar vary, and components such as "Server Manager", "PowerShell", and so on, are added to the quick enable bar, the icons are larger and the interface looks more beautiful. The lower-right corner of the wallpaper identifies the version number "Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Build 7100" and the build 7100 of the Windows 7 RC that is currently available for download.
Initial login interface for Windows Server 2008