Why not use IIS as a web/file server?

[GTaudiophile]

Seems to be a easy solution, compared to say running Debian.

What would I miss switching from Gentoo to Windows XP PRO IIS?

(Just playing Devil's Advocate here.)

 

[Joemonkey]

I don't know if it's possible, but if you can use the IIS Lockdown tool on XP, I can't see any reason to NOT use it.

 

[Crusty]

IIS on a non-server OS box can only handle 10 connections at a time.

 

[CaptainGoodnight]

Originally posted by: MCrusty
IIS on a non-server OS box can only handle 10 connections at a time.

From Inside Windows 2000

* The End-User License Agreement for Windows 2000 Professional (contained in \Winnt\System32\Eula.txt) states, "You may permit a maximum of ten (10) computers or other electronic devices (each a "Device") to connect to the Workstation Computer to utilize the services of the Product solely for file and print services, internet information services, and remote access (including connection sharing and telephony services)." This limit is enforced for file and print sharing and remote access but not for Internet Information Services.

I wonder if it still applies for XP.

 

[Nothinman]

Seems to be a easy solution, compared to say running Debian.

Depends on your definition of easy, I find Debian much simpler to install and configure and once it's done I never have to touch it again.

What would I miss switching from Gentoo to Windows XP PRO IIS?

The obvious answer is lots of wasted time and scrolling text while waiting for things to compile.

You should choose the software that does what you want, if you want to use lots of ASP.Net crap then you pretty much need IIS. If you want to run some web gallery written in perl, then you'll most likely have an easier time using it in Apache on Linux.

 

[ArmchairAthlete]

You can but you won't be able to handle high volume.

I'm sure there's some hardcoded limit as well, M$ wants people paying up for their real webserver stuff.

My box runs IIS, box at work is Windows Server 2003 which does also (IIS 6 instead of 5 though of course).

 

[dartblazer]

You can also install Apache on Windows XP.