How to install IIS in Windows XP and Vista
IIS, or “Internet Information Services,” is an integral part of Windows for any developer, but is also useful for anyone who wants to create things for the Web using a Windows-based machine. Here’s how to install and configure IIS in both XP and Vista.
Internet Information Services (IIS) is a collection of Software embedded in Windows that will essentially turn your computer into a Web server. It allows for things like FTP servers, ASP.NET development and Web site creation from basic HTML to advanced Web applications. In other words, if you want to create anything for the Web using your Windows-based machine, you’ll need IIS installed and running. The process is relatively the same in both XP and Vista, but not all edition of each OS support IIS, so let’s take a closer look.
If you’re using XP, only the Pro edition has IIS available. To install it, you’ll need the original Windows XP installation CD that came packaged with your system. Insert the CD into your computer and open your Control Panel. Choose “Add or Remove Programs,” and then choose “Add or Remove Windows Components.” Simply Check the box next to “Internet Information Services (IIS),” while leaving all the default installation settings intact. Click OK and IIS should be installed using the CD. Once it’s finished, you can test the settings by going to a Web browser and typing “localhost.” If a homepage is brought up, IIS was installed correctly.
If you’re using Vista, only the Ultimate Edition has IIS available. To install it, go to your Control Panel and click “Programs.” Click the link for “Turn Windows Features On or Off.” In the window that pops up, check the box next to “Internet Information Services,” and expand the tree node. This will display the many option available. If you know what option you need, you can select them here, but to be safe go ahead and check every box to enable all that IIS has to offer. Click OK, and the configuration will take place. If everything goes well, you should be able to see a homepage when typing “localhost” into your Web browser.
With IIS installed on your machine, the possibilities are virtually endless. It’s a good idea to read the accompanying documentation to understand every aspect of what can be done using IIS, but overall it’s a pretty simple and intuitive design. If nothing else, hopefully you have a better understanding of how it all works.
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