Hi. I only have one computer and since I really love Microsoft products (although never tried most of the products and operating systems like Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft SharePoint Services, etc.), I am interested in trying out Exchange Server 2007. My question is, I have to have Microsoft Windows Server 2003 or Longhorn Server to test out Exchange Server 2007, correct? If I'm the only one using an exchange server, how would this work if I only have one computer? I have Microsoft Office Standard 2003 (also Microsoft Office 2007 Professional that I've already installed in Windows Vista RC1). I'm aware that Exchange Server 2007 is for small and large businesses and enterprise so I'm wondering if this would be a beneficial to home users like me. I may plan to build myself a computer (entertainment, gaming, and server in one computer) and I already have my HP zv6130us laptop so I think two computers would make sense for those testing out Exchange Server, so I thought I should ask here. Thanks!

Depending upon your experience level setting up a messaging system geared towards a corporate enviornment can be quite complicated for individual use. Of course, most people that live to work with Exchange self-host (this is a term we use to describe someone who runs a fulling functioning enviornment, typically at home.) If you are really wanting to learn the product, then go for it. If you are just looking to learn the product without outside connectivity, I would suggest running Exchange in a virtual machine image. If you are looking to host your own email server, then it becomes quite a bit more complicated. You will need to run Exchange in a 64 bit enviornment, since this will be the only supported platform when it releases. Since not all roles will be supported in VMs, you will need to purchase a system that is EM64T/AMD64 and VT capable. You should also consider registering a domain name, creating DNS records to advertise your email server, and setting up connectors, etc. You also will need to purchase a server and client licenses, which is quite expense for a home user I suspect. Once you setup your Exchange server, you will need Outlook to connect to it, since it is the window into Exchange. As you can see there are a lot of intricacies in setting up Exchange. These are things you need to be willing to work through.

Yeah I have my AMD Athlon64 laptop. Right now I'm saving my money for apartment (to be moved by late December to early Jan since I live with my parent, passing my GED Reading; I passed Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies -- started GED around April 2003) and I'm building a new computer next year with Windows Vista Ultimate, so thanks anyway for your reply. :) Oh by the way, will there be a trial version of Windows Longhorn Server when Windows Longhorn Server gets released to the public?