IIS (Brief Overview)

[ForestSpirit]

The web sites found in my IIS search (Google/MS) do not explain exactly what
it is or does in simple terms. A lot of what I found pertains to Windows
Server 2003 rather than XP. My first guess is that is that IIS is not needed
unless you are (a) running a server, (b) running a client on a client-server
network, or (c) running other software that requires it. The first two do
not apply to me, but the third one might. Here are the options in Add/Remove
Windows Components (XP Pro) for IIS.

Internet Information Services (IIS)
- Common Files
- Documentation
- File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Service
- FrontPage 2000 Server Extensions
- Internet Information Services Snap-In (for MMC)
- SMTP Service
--- SMTP Service
- World Wide Web Service
--- Printers virtual directory
--- Remote Desktop Web Connection
--- Scripts virtual directory
--- World Wide Web Service

1. What exactly is IIS (Internet Information Services)? A brief overview
would suffice.
2. Do I need IIS to be able to upload files via FTP to the Internet, or only
if I would be creating a web site on a server?
3. Do I need it for Office XP or FrontPage 2000?
4. What are some third-party programs that might require IIS, if any?
5. Do I need to install IIS or any of its components, since I am not on a
server or a client-server network? If so, which components might I need?

Thanks.

 

[Justin Haygood]

1. What exactly is IIS (Internet Information Services)? A brief overview
would suffice.

An Internet server for web and FTP hosting

2. Do I need IIS to be able to upload files via FTP to the Internet, or only
if I would be creating a web site on a server?

Not unless the server is your home computer. If you use a hosting
company, then no, IIS is not needed.

3. Do I need it for Office XP or FrontPage 2000?

No, you don't

4. What are some third-party programs that might require IIS, if any?

Server applications sometimes need it

5. Do I need to install IIS or any of its components, since I am not on a
server or a client-server network? If so, which components might I need?

You don't need any of its components.

Thanks.

You're Welcome