downloaded a trial copy of the OS -- and right off the bat, there are problems. Nowhere can I find the hardware requirements! I want to try it out, but I don't happen to have a high powered machine lying around, so will it work on an ordinary dual core machine with 2GB memory?
OK, so let's take a step back. While Sandeep and I have touted servers and server OS and stated how easy they are to set up, what Tom did simply wasn't a fair rendition of how to go about it. (I hope not to offend you Tom).
Installing server OS is a bit more difficult than a client desktop. You are laying the foundation for a client/server network. And, anything done wrong will come back to bite you. While installing WIN 7 or XP is something most of us have done hundreds of times, this will be the first install for a server OS for most.
While you can and there are exceptions, server OS are really meant to be installed on server hardware, just as client OS are meant for desktop hardware. You will probably right away run into trouble installing Windows Server 2008 R2 on a Dell Vostro.
Now as far as installation of SBS 2011 Standard (I prefer Standard over Essentials as I want everything on my server), this is a very good article on installation:
Pretty much anything by TechNet or anything by Robert Pearman or Susan Bradley is gospel on SBS or other things Microsoft. Not to go into all the hardware, you will need at least 8GB and preferably 10GB for Standard. 2GB is the minimum with Essentials while 4GB is optimal.
The above link will give step-by-step instructions on the Standard Install. Essentials is also on TechNet.
I still think for those who are actually going to go with an OS install, I HIGHLY suggest using online help but also Train Signal. I can't say enough about it. Actual Microsoft SBS MVPs teaching in videos are just more helpful.
If you have a server and you want to install the OS, there is no rule that you get one shot. You can install the OS over and over. Even use an install answer sheet. After, you can play with it as much as you want. To really get a feel, you need to connect a computer to it so you learn connecting to a domain and how to do things with a user. Set up accounts, email, an SSL certificate. Set up the SBS backup and restore a few times. Play with group policy.
If you do it this way, you will do fine. If you download it to a desktop, your hardware, as Sandeep pointed out, will likely be inadequate.
