Jake Necessary

IIS7 has been re-engineered from the ground up.  The new web server boasts of several areas of improvement including the following:

• Modularity
• Extensibility
• Configuration
• Administrative Tools
• Diagnostics

Modularity

In previous web servers, the functionality was more or less built into the install.  However, in IIS7.0 functionality have been spawned as modules.  Essentially, there are more than 40 components (more can be developed) that can be turned on or off as needed.  The result is a modular web server where administrators can selectively turn on or off components to reduce the footprint and optimize the performance of a server.

Extensibility

The modular design of IIS 7, as hinted above, can be further extended by using the new API's.  ASP.Net integration in IIS7 enables custom modules to be developed using ASP.Net and the .Net Framework. Developers can utilize the extensibility to do things like add value for existing applications (Custom Auth Schemes, state management, and etc)

Configuration

IIS has evolved over the different versions when speaking of configuration.  IIS5 has the bindery store, IIS6 had an XML based Metabase and now IIS7 has a distributed XML based configuration.

These are the configuration files:

1. Machine.config (.NET Framework Global Settings for the Machine)
2. Root Web.config (Global ASP.NET settings)
3. applicationHost.config (Global Configuration)
4. site
   1. web.config
   2. application web.config
   3. directory web.config

Administrative Tools

The admin tools have been completely rewritten. 

• The IIS manager is a new console that provides GUI management for IIS7 and ASP.NET. 
• A new command line tool, Appcmd.exe!
• Microsoft.Web.Administration --- managed API
• WMI Provider
• (Powershell too)

In addition to the tools, administrators can delegate administrative functions to other users in a secure matter

Diagnostics

IIS 7 includes a new Runtime State and Control API (RSCA) that provides a wealth of information about application pools, worker processes, sites, application domains, and running requests. Information from the RSCA can be aquired through the new IIS7 WMI, Microsoft.Web.Administration API, commandline, and IIS manager.

Failed Request Tracing provides  detailed trace events allowing you to trace a request as it makes its way though IIS.  [This is known as FREB]

This chapter in the book was designed as an overview.  Later in the resource kit we will dive deeper.

I am working my way through the IIS7 Resource Kit and thought it best to blog about each of the sections.  Essentially, I am taking notes from the book in blog form.  Although my notes are paraphrases from the text, I wanted to make sure I give credit to the authors of the Resource Kit which I recommend highly!

Bibliography Reference

Volodarsky, M.; Londer, O.; Hill, B.; Cheah, B.; Schofield, S.; Mares, C. A.; Meyer, K. (2008). Internet Information Services (IIS) 7.0. Redmond, Washington. Microsoft Press.

Internet Information Services. Retrieved May 2008, from http://www.iis.net.

Well, I think when you have a dog from a pup he always is your "puppy."  However, Gonzo is nine years old now.  Today, I was traveling through Norway for work when I got the call.  You know, Gonzo has been sick for a few days.....

I remember when I first got him.  I was alone, sad, and living in Cincinnati.  I was pretty much broke back then and I saw an ad for $150.00.  I was in an apartment which had rules on sizes and I knew a Schnauzer would be ok -- I really wanted a Lab.  I did all the diligent stuff making sure he was the perfect breed for me.  Long story short, I made the 45 minute truck to Loveland, Ohio where I met this strange van at the skate inn.  It almost felt like a drug deal you see on cops.  The door swung open and there was about 10 puppies.  Gonzo was from another Mother and was the last one in his litter.  The other dogs were smaller.  Anyway, I picked the only salt and pepper.  He was feisty and full of life. 

I was on a Star Wars kick then and I tried every name in the book, Jedi, Luke, Darth some how I thought of Gizmo, but he wouldn't respond to anything.  Then I thought he kinda looks like a muppet and Gonzo would be a fitting name.  So he was Gonzo. 

I purchased all the best accessories and dog training books.  I still remember taking him out of the crate to sleep with me.  I think he comforted me more than I did him.  I remember I would wake up at night and he would be underneath my chest sleeping.  I was afraid I would scquish him, but he survived. 

I got gonzo around Easter.  I remember because I used to sing a song in the theme of Peter Cotton Tail: Gonzo is a puppy dog, a little bitty puppy dog, happy camper, little bitty puppy dog... He would smile and love on you, but never lick you unless you "gave him permission."  I would spend time everynight petting him and telling him how great he was.  I know this made him a better dog.

As the years went buy he amazed me.  I remember one time I was very sick and he was home taking care of me.   I am not sick that often and the first day I was dead.  The second day I was able to stagger into the computer room when I heard this ripping sound and went to the hall.  There was Gonzo ripping up paper..   well, a 1 dollar bill.  I hollered at him and he turned his head and had this look of "what are you doing home" on his face.  Then he looked away as if "I can't see you so you can't see me."  I was so tickled I couldn't punish him.  Anytime you felt bad he would be there to take care of you.

Today, I had to make a decision.  Gonzo is not a puppy anymore and its time for him to rest.  I will miss my little puppy dog forever.  I love him like a son.

Hello Friends,

You all might be wondering what the I'M logo is by my name in messenger.  Microsoft has teamed up with a variety of Charities and will be making donations based off IM Advertisements.  This doesn't cost you anything and will allow you to direct the advertising money toward a useful cause. 

I have decided to select the Boys and Girls Club of America.  You can view their profile on the Charity Navigator Website.  I encourage you all to perform the easy steps to direct revenue toward a Charity.  Also, I hope everyone uses the Charity Navigator Website to make sure the monies you give actually reach intended Pockets.

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