How to Set Up an IIS Web Server

Microsoft's Web server for Windows server operating systems is Internet Information Services, or IIS. IIS is included with Windows Server 2003 but isn't enabled by default. So, you need to configure it before you can use it to create an intranet. Here are the steps:

1. Choose Start All Programs Administrative Tools Configure Your Server Wizard.

   This step launches the Configure Your Server Wizard, which displays a friendly greeting screen.

2. Click Next.

   The Configure Your Server Wizard displays a screen full of helpful tips, which you should read.

   Tip 

   The only tip you need to pay attention to for this procedure is the one that advises you to have your Windows Server 2003 Setup CD handy. If you don't have it nearby, go get it before you continue.

3. Click Next.

   The Configure Your Server Wizard grinds and whirs for a moment and then displays the page shown in Figure 12-1.

   
   Figure 12-1: The Configure Your Server Wizard displays a list of server roles.

4. Select the Application Server (IIS, ASP.NET) option and then click Next.

   The Configure Your Server Wizard displays the options for installing IIS, as shown in Figure 12-2.

   
   Figure 12-2: The Configure Your Server Wizard gives you options.

5. Select both the FrontPage Server Extensions option and the Enable ASP.NET option.

   TECHNICAL STUFF 

   There's no real reason not to enable both these options, so I recommend that you select them both, even if you're not sure that you need them:

   • FrontPage Server Extensions: Makes it easier to work with FrontPage to create Web pages for your intranet.

   • Enable ASP.NET: Enables the ASP.NET programming platform, which lets you create sophisticated, Web-based programs for your intranet.

6. Click Next.

   The wizard displays a summary page that indicates the options you selected, as shown in Figure 12-3.

   
   Figure 12-3: The Configure Your Server Wizard is ready to go.

7. Click Next.

   The wizard installs IIS and ASP.NET. This process may take a few minutes, so be patient.

   Tip 

   If you're prompted to insert the Windows Server 2003 Setup CD, do so cheerfully.

   After the installation is finished, the page shown in Figure 12-4 is displayed.

   
   Figure 12-4: The Configure Your Server Wizard is finished.

8. Click Finish.

   You're done!