What is a Windows Web Server and How to Use It?

IIS (Internet Information Services) or Windows Web Server is a web server that hosts websites and web applications. Currently, IIS is the world’s second most popular Windows web server (after Apache HTTP).
Internet Information Services (IIS), formerly known as Internet Information Server, is a Microsoft web server designed to be used with the Windows NT family.

How to Install and Configure IIS Server Software?

Although IIS server comes with Windows, you might be surprised to learn that it is not accessible unless you install it. However, the installation and configuration process is relatively simple.

1. To start, open the Control Panel and click on Add or Remove Programs.

2. Then click on Add/Remove Windows Components.

3. Check the box for Internet Information Services (IIS) and click Next.

4. Click Finish.

As you can see, the basic installation process is quick. After installing the IIS server, it’s time to configure it.
If you want to install the IIS Windows server using PowerShell, you can do so by entering the following command:
< PS C:\> Install-WindowsFeature -Name Web-Server -IncludeManagementTools >

How Does the IIS Server (Windows Web Server) Work? Configuring IIS Server Software

1. Find the “My Computer” icon on your desktop and right-click to select Manage.

2. In the Computer Management window, click on “Services and Applications.”

3. Click on “Internet Information Services” and then “Web Sites.”

4. If the Default Web Site is not started by default, right-click the Default Web Site button and start it.

Best Third-Party Tools to Use with IIS Windows Web Server

Here is our list of the best third-party tools for use with the IIS Windows Web Server:

1. SolarWinds Server & Application Monitor
   Monitors servers and applications running on them, including IIS sites. This monitor tracks IIS servers and website availability, shows statuses live on the dashboard, and sends alerts when problems occur. It also monitors CPU usage, memory usage, response time, disk usage, and other important server conditions.

2. ManageEngine Application Manager
   A server and application monitoring system with special screens for IIS monitoring. Works on Windows Server and Linux.

3. Datadog Infrastructure with IIS Integration
   A cloud-based monitoring system that tracks connections between applications and services, including dedicated IIS monitoring.

4. Paessler PRTG Network Monitor
   Ideal for IIS management because it monitors application performance as well as network and server statuses.

5. Dynatrace
   A cloud-based monitoring service that can monitor the performance of servers, applications, and services, including IIS.

6. AppDynamics
   A SaaS package with excellent troubleshooting tools specifically for IIS.

7. IIS Crypto
   A free IIS extension that allows you to change IIS statuses, features, and services.

8. Orca
   A configuration management solution for IIS that centralizes IIS server management across multiple locations.

9. eG Enterprise
   Uses external agents to monitor the performance of IIS-based websites.