What is the Microsoft IIS Webserver?

The Windows operating system by Microsoft is the globally preferred solution for desktop PCs. Server solutions, on the other hand, are predominantly implemented using Linux, on which Linux-based server services, such as the web server, are then used. However, Microsoft also offers a Windows operating system for servers, which also provides a web server: the Microsoft IIS Webserver. But what can the system do and what are its limitations? The following article provides clarification.

Basics of the Microsoft IIS Webserver

The Microsoft Internet Information Service (IIS) is a service platform integrated into the Windows operating system since version NT 3.51. It is not a separate software, but a service within the OS. In general, the Internet Information Service is usable in both server and client operating systems. In addition to IIS, the Pro and Enterprise versions from Windows 8 onwards come with the virtualization software Hyper-V as standard, providing users with the option of server virtualization.

With the Microsoft IIS, documents and files can be made accessible in a network. The following protocols can be used for data transmission:

• HTTP or HTTPS
• FTP
• SMTP
• POP3
• WebDAV

Furthermore, applications bound to the ASP.NET or .NET Framework can be executed.

This puts the Microsoft IIS web server in direct competition with other web server solutions such as the Apache HTTP web server, the Nginx web server, or the LiteSpeed web server.

Features of the Microsoft IIS Web Server

The Internet Information Service offers various functions of a web server. With it, you can host websites, stream audio or video files, and run various internet applications. This is technically achieved through Microsoft's ASP.NET Framework, which is similar to the PHP scripting language used, for example, by Apache.

The IIS uses the Microsoft SQL Server as its database. Due to the differences in components, projects hosted on the IIS web server are not directly transferable to an Apache or Nginx. The systems are not compatible with each other, and corresponding applications need to be adapted before migration.

The Core Components of the Microsoft IIS Web Server

To ensure the functions of the Internet Information Services, the web server requires various components. These form the framework on which the different features are built.

The Listener Service performs the core function of a server. This service enables the web server to be ready to handle incoming connections. Various communication protocols can be provided by default. For example, with the HTTP Protocol Stack HTTP.sys, the Microsoft IIS web server is capable of receiving connections via HTTP.

Additionally, Windows-specific WCF connections can also be managed.

The WAS (Windows Process Activation Service) administers all connections that do not rely on the HTTP stack, enabling intelligent routing.

Advantages of the Microsoft IIS Web Server

One of the key advantages of using the Internet Information Service is that the service is already integrated into the Windows operating system. Installation and configuration can be done through a graphical user interface, making it suitable even for beginners. In fact, the service only needs to be activated on a Windows Server.

While client operating systems have a limited number of possible server connections, there are no other restrictions compared to the server versions.

Furthermore, features like a dynamic cache, compression functions, and load balancing ensure optimal performance. Even multi-tier architectures, known as web farms, can be implemented using Microsoft's Internet Information Service.

Users can also expand the IIS web server according to their requirements through various modules. Powerful diagnostic tools make maintenance and troubleshooting a breeze.

If different applications or websites are hosted on the server, they can be isolated from each other, increasing the security of the host system.

Another advantage of the Microsoft IIS Web Server is its ability to host and run ASP.NET applications and PHP-based applications simultaneously. This means that content management systems like WordPress or Joomla!, which are based on the PHP scripting language, are compatible with the Internet Information Service, allowing corresponding websites to be served.

Learn about the differences between the popular web servers in the comparison Apache vs. IIS, or find out which web server is best.

Setting Up the Microsoft IIS Web Server

To set up the Internet Information Service, it needs to be activated in the system control panel of the operating system. Through the path Programs -> Turn Windows features on or off, Windows provides a selection of possible features that can be activated.

The Internet Information Services element consists of three modules, each of which contains individual modules. Initially, the management tool should be provided as it allows for the administration of the web server.

To use the basic functions of the server, simply mark the following components:

• Common HTTP Features
• Performance Features
• Security
• Health and Diagnostics

With a click on OK, the standard features are activated and available to the user. In addition to the standard modules, other functions may also be of interest.

• The HTTP Redirection feature allows redirects to specific websites.
• With URL Authorization, access to websites can be restricted.
• Under the Application Developer Features section, the CGI option allows PHP to be installed on the server.
• The IP Security module can limit the URLs to a specific length.

Once the selection is confirmed, Windows automatically installs the services and then starts the web server. To check if it is working, enter the URL http://localhost in a browser window. It should display the default welcome page.

To host websites or applications on the Microsoft IIS Server, it can be set up accordingly. Users can access the configuration menu of IIS by navigating to Control Panel -> System and Security -> Administration. There, file and directory paths can be created, user authentications defined, or Directory Listening activated.

Our article is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from external sources.

Sources & further links on the topic:
https://www.iis.net/ (Official Microsoft IIS website)
https://gridscale.io/community/tutorials/iis-windows-server-einrichten/ (Guide to setting up IIS on a Windows Server)

Image credit:
Gerd Altmann on Pixabay