You can use the Server Manager to install IIS 7.0 server role that is split into modules. These modules help administrators to have a better control over the configuration settings. You can load the required modules to support specific Web applications. You can replace IIS modules with custom components that are developed by using the native IIS 7.0 C++ APIs or the ASP.NET 2.0 APIs.
You can install selected modules on a server to customize them for a specific role by using the Web Server IIS node. You can use the Add Role Services wizard to add a particular module. You can select a registered module, or register another native module to add a native module.
IIS 7.0 offers a broad set of administrative tools that simplify the day-to-day management of Web sites and applications. These tools include GUI, command line, configuration store, WMI provider, and managed interface.
You can use various features of IIS 7.0, such as navigation toolbar, connection pane and tree, workspace, and actions pane, to configure Websites, Web applications, and settings of Web applications.
You can configure Websites and Web applications by using IIS 7.0. You need to create a Website and copy the default Web site folder to a Web site folder by using the command prompt. You can edit basic and advanced settings. This apart, you can configure the Recycling settings. The advanced settings display a detailed list of options available for an application pool.
You can use the distributed configuration feature in IIS 7.0 that allows certain IIS configuration settings to be specified in files that are stored with the code and content. Distributed configuration simplifies configuration and allows server administrators to delegate configuration settings to Website developers. There are various types of configuration file settings such as .NET framework, ApplicationHost.config, and Web.config.
You can replicate the IIS configuration information in the ApplicationHost.config file and in the Web.config file. In ApplicationHost.config file, you can use methods such as a file copy, Internet User account, or by enabling the same modules on each IIS server. In Web.config file, you can use the XCOPY or replicate files from a centralized location by using DFSR.
You can delegate features in IIS Manager to Web site and Web application administrators by IIS Manager Permissions, and IIS Manager Users. You can select the users who can administer applications and delegate configuration permission of features in Web sites or Web applications.
You have several options to manage security of IIS 7.0 such as challenge-base authentication and forms-based authentication. You can reduce surface-attack by installing only the required modules. You can also use the SSL certificate for encrypting communication.
You can use the Runtime State and Control API to provide real-time information in IIS 7.0 to troubleshoot problems. The failed request tracing generates an error log by defining specific error conditions in the Failed Request Tracing Rules. The logging provides information about requests made to the server. The Worker Processes monitor manages a list of worker processes running in application pools on a Web server.
You can add Windows Media Server as a server role only after downloading and installing its components. You can install the Windows Media Server role in the Server Manager. You can also install the Streaming Media Services role to deliver digital audio and streaming video to users.
You can define a publishing point to specify the content type and protocol that delivers content to end-users. You can create a new publishing point by selecting the Add Publishing Point Wizard option. You can use the on-demand publishing point to create a scenario in which each client can control the stream to the media player.
You can customize streaming content to meet specific business requirements. You can edit the SMIL-based playlists by using several methods like playlist editor, source tab or XML editor. You can add advertisements to publishing points by using wrapper, interstitial, or banner advertisements.
You can use several options to secure Windows Media Server, such as setting a range of IP addresses from local network. You can use restrict client access or assign usage rules to content. You can also assign usage rules to content to limit client connection and the usage of network bandwidth.
You can provide high availability scalability to users of Windows Media Server. You can achieve scalability by implementing multiple servers. You can achieve high availability by implementing NLB across the network. You can add Internet bandwidth to increase fault tolerance. Cascading distribution servers can increase the overall streaming ability.
