7 Best-Selling IIS 7 Books Millions Trust and Use

Discover IIS 7 books authored by leading experts like Marty Jost and Shahram Khosravi, featuring best-selling titles that deliver proven value.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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4 of 7 books have Kindle versions

There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in the ever-evolving world of web server management. IIS 7 remains a cornerstone technology for many organizations, demanding reliable resources that stand the test of time. These seven books have gained widespread recognition by addressing the core challenges and opportunities IIS 7 presents, helping professionals secure, administer, and extend their web servers effectively.

The authors behind these works bring deep expertise from roles spanning IT security, software engineering, and system administration. For example, Marty Jost's focus on IIS security provides detailed, practical measures for safeguarding servers, while Shahram Khosravi unpacks the complex integration of IIS 7 with ASP.NET programming. Their combined insights offer readers a rich toolkit grounded in real-world experience and thorough technical knowledge.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific IIS 7 needs might consider creating a personalized IIS 7 book that combines these validated approaches. This way, you get focused guidance perfectly matched to your background and goals, blending expert wisdom with your unique context.

Best for mastering IIS 7 security practices
Kindle version available
IIS Security by Marty Jost offers a focused exploration into the threats and protective measures relevant to IIS 7 web servers. The book thoroughly examines both the built-in security features and the gaps that administrators must address with additional tools and techniques. Its detailed treatment of authentication, encryption, and filtering strategies provides a solid basis for securing IIS environments. This work stands out for its practical approach to detecting and responding to intrusions, making it a valuable resource for IT professionals tasked with maintaining robust web server security.
IIS Security book cover

by Marty Jost

2002·468 pages·IIS, IIS 7, Security, Networking, Web Security

Marty Jost's decades of experience in IT security come through clearly in this detailed guide to protecting IIS servers. The book dives into the specific vulnerabilities web servers face and evaluates the built-in IIS security tools, pointing out their limitations. You’ll gain a solid understanding of authentication, encryption, authorization, and filtering techniques tailored for IIS environments. The practical focus on detecting breaches and implementing layered defenses makes it particularly useful for system administrators responsible for maintaining secure web infrastructures. If you manage IIS servers or want to deepen your grasp of web server security, this book offers a thorough technical foundation without unnecessary jargon.

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Best for IIS 7 ASP.NET developers
Kindle version not available
Dr. Shahram Khosravi is a senior software engineer and instructor with deep expertise in ASP.NET, WCF, IIS7, and related technologies. Drawing on years of experience in software architecture and programming, he wrote this book to provide focused, practical guidance on the IIS7 and ASP.NET integrated infrastructure. His work helps you navigate Windows Server 2008 environments and harness the new programming tools IIS7 offers, making complex integration accessible for professionals seeking to build robust web applications.
2007·696 pages·IIS, ASP.NET, IIS 7, Request Pipeline, Configuration Management

When Shahram Khosravi discovered the potential of IIS7 and ASP.NET's deep integration, he crafted this book to demystify their complex relationship for developers and administrators alike. You’ll learn how to write integrated code compatible with Windows Vista and Server 2008, manage configuration systems through IIS Manager and appcmd.exe, and extend IIS7’s capabilities with custom modules, handlers, and providers. The book offers practical walkthroughs of the HTTP request pipeline, declarative configuration markup, and tracing diagnostics, making it ideal if you want hands-on expertise rather than surface-level theory. It's particularly suited for ASP.NET developers and IIS administrators aiming to harness IIS7's full integrated programming power.

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Best for custom security plans
Can send to Kindle
This personalized AI book about IIS 7 security is created after you share your experience level and which security topics you want to focus on within IIS 7. You also specify your goals, so the book is written to address your exact needs in safeguarding IIS 7 web servers. AI helps craft content that blends trusted security principles with your unique context, making your learning efficient and directly applicable.
2025·50-300 pages·IIS 7, IIS Security, Server Hardening, Authentication, Authorization

This tailored book delves deeply into security strategies specifically designed for IIS 7 environments, offering a focused exploration that matches your background and goals. It examines core security concepts, configuration nuances, and threat mitigation techniques unique to IIS 7, ensuring you grasp both foundational principles and advanced protections. The content is personalized to emphasize areas most relevant to you, combining widely trusted knowledge with your individual interests to enhance learning efficiency. By concentrating on your specific security challenges and objectives, this book reveals how to strengthen IIS 7 servers against vulnerabilities, manage authentication and authorization effectively, and implement encryption and filtering settings with confidence. Its tailored approach helps you master IIS 7 security in a way that fits your experience and needs.

Tailored Guide
IIS 7 Security Focus
1,000+ Happy Readers
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Best for hands-on IIS 7 administrators
Kindle version available
What makes this book a staple for IIS 7 administrators is William Stanek’s hands-on approach to web server management. Packed with practical insights, it guides you through essential tasks like installing servers, configuring remote access, and managing IIS settings using both GUI and command-line tools. Its concise yet information-rich format has earned it widespread recognition among Windows Server 2008 professionals who need clear, efficient instruction. This book addresses the core challenges of IIS management, making it a valuable asset for those supporting or administering IIS 7 environments.
2014·376 pages·Server Administration, IIS, IIS 7, Windows Server, PowerShell

William Stanek's decades of experience with IIS 7.0 and IIS 7.5 culminate in this focused guide for mastering web server administration. You’ll gain clear guidance on installing and configuring servers, enabling remote administration, and leveraging command-line tools including Windows PowerShell. Practical chapters walk you through managing global IIS settings, customizing content and error responses, and setting up logging to track usage statistics. This book suits IT professionals and system administrators working with Windows Server 2008 or 2008 R2 who want a hands-on, straightforward resource to confidently manage IIS without wading through unnecessary detail.

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Best for IIS 7 server management pros
Kindle version not available
Mike Volodarksy, program manager for Microsoft IIS 7.0, spearheaded the redesign of the web server engine and its extensibility platform. His hands-on leadership and deep technical expertise shaped this resource kit, making it a go-to guide for anyone dealing with IIS 7.0. This book reflects his insight into both the technology and practical challenges faced by administrators and developers alike.
Internet Information Services (IIS) 7.0 Resource Kit book cover

by Mike Volodarsky, Olga Londer, Brett Hill, Bernard Cheah, Steve Schofield, Carlos Aguilar Mares, Kurt Meyer, Microsoft IIS Team·

2008·779 pages·IIS, IIS 7, Server Management, Security, Performance Monitoring

Unlike most IIS 7 resources that skim the surface, this book digs deep into the architecture and operational essentials of IIS 7.0, authored by Mike Volodarsky, the program manager leading the redesign of the core web server engine. You’ll gain concrete skills in migrating servers, managing performance, and securing web services, with detailed chapters on troubleshooting and best practices. The inclusion of scripts and job aids on the companion CD makes complex tasks more approachable. If you’re managing Windows Server environments or building web applications, this book equips you with hands-on insights that go beyond theory.

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Best for managing IIS 7 environments
Kindle version available
Ken Schaefer is a systems engineer consultant for global systems integrator Avanade with a Masters in Business and Technology from UNSW. He has presented at numerous Microsoft Tech.Ed events, reflecting deep expertise in Microsoft server technologies. His background uniquely positions him to guide readers through the largest update IIS has seen, offering practical insights for managing IIS 7 environments confidently.
Professional IIS 7 book cover

by Kenneth Schaefer, Jeff Cochran, Scott Forsyth, Rob Baugh, Mike Everest, Dennis Glendenning·

2008·840 pages·IIS, IIS 7, Server Management, Security, Deployment

Drawing from Kenneth Schaefer's extensive experience as a systems engineer consultant and Microsoft Tech.Ed presenter, this book unpacks the significant changes introduced with IIS 7, part of Windows Server 2008. You'll gain practical knowledge on deploying, installing, monitoring, managing, and securing IIS environments, supported by insights from four Microsoft MVPs. The book carefully guides you through the shift from earlier IIS versions, including detailed chapters on new features and management techniques. If you're responsible for Windows Server infrastructure or web hosting, this book equips you with the confidence to handle IIS 7's complexities effectively, though beginners without Windows Server background might find some sections challenging.

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Best for rapid deployment plans
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This AI-created book on IIS 7 deployment is crafted based on your background, skill level, and specific setup goals. By sharing what you want to focus on and your existing knowledge, you receive a book that covers exactly the steps and details you need for a fast, effective IIS 7 server setup. Personalization here matters because IIS server configurations can vary widely depending on your environment and objectives, making a tailored guide much more practical than generic manuals.
2025·50-300 pages·IIS 7, IIS Basics, Server Installation, Configuration Setup, Security Hardening

This tailored book offers a personalized journey through the rapid deployment and configuration of IIS 7 servers, designed to match your unique background and goals. It explores critical server setup stages with clear, step-by-step guidance that reveals how to get your IIS 7 environment operational swiftly and securely. Covering foundational concepts such as installation and configuration, it also delves into nuanced topics like performance tuning and security hardening, all tailored to fit your interests and existing knowledge. By focusing on your specific needs, this book ensures an efficient learning experience that blends proven practices with insights validated by a broad community of IIS users. It addresses your goals directly, making complex server setup understandable and accessible through a personalized approach.

Tailored Guide
Performance Tuning
3,000+ Books Created
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Best for securing IIS 7 web applications
Kindle version available
William Stanek is the international bestselling author of over 200 technical books, whose practical guidance has empowered millions of developers and network engineers worldwide. With a distinguished military background and advanced degrees in computer science and information systems, he brings a unique perspective to managing IIS environments. This book distills his extensive experience into clear, concise instructions for administering IIS 7.0 and 7.5, making it a trusted resource for those responsible for web application security and maintenance on Microsoft platforms.
2014·332 pages·IIS, IIS 7, Web Hosting, Security, System Administration

What started as a practical guide from William Stanek, an author with extensive hands-on experience and a rich military technology background, became a focused manual for managing IIS 7.0 and IIS 7.5 web applications. You gain detailed insights into configuring ASP.NET settings, customizing application pools, and securing web servers through Active Directory certificate services. The book’s practical walkthroughs on recycling worker processes and optimizing IIS performance provide you with tangible skills for daily administration. If you’re tasked with maintaining IIS environments or want to deepen your understanding of web application security on Microsoft servers, this book offers a targeted approach without unnecessary fluff.

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Best for IIS 7 implementation and setup
Kindle version not available
John Paul Mueller's book offers a straightforward approach to mastering Microsoft IIS 7 implementation and administration, meeting the practical needs of IT professionals and system administrators. Focused on breaking down the complexities of IIS 7, this guide addresses setup, configuration, and ongoing management with clarity and precision. Its enduring popularity among users stems from its hands-on methodology and clear explanations, making it a go-to resource for those managing web server environments. Whether you're getting started or aiming to improve your IIS 7 skills, this book provides a direct path to understanding and applying core concepts effectively.
2007·384 pages·IIS, IIS 7, Web Server, Administration, Implementation

What started as a need to demystify web server management, John Paul Mueller offers a clear, direct guide to implementing and administering Microsoft IIS 7. You’ll learn how to set up and configure IIS 7 efficiently, manage security features, and handle common administrative tasks, all grounded in practical knowledge from Mueller's extensive software development background. Chapters break down complex concepts like application pools and modules into manageable sections, making it accessible whether you’re new to IIS or looking to sharpen your operational skills. If you’re responsible for web server infrastructure or transitioning to IIS 7, this book gives you a solid foundation without overcomplicating the subject.

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Conclusion

These seven books reveal some clear themes for anyone working with IIS 7: the importance of securing your environment, mastering administration tools, and leveraging integrated programming to maximize server capabilities. If you prefer proven methods, starting with "IIS Security" and "Professional IIS 7" offers foundational knowledge for protecting and managing your servers.

For validated approaches that blend administration with application security, combining "Web Server Administration" and "Web Applications, Security & Maintenance" can deepen your practical skills. Meanwhile, "Professional IIS 7 and ASP.NET Integrated Programming" guides developers seeking to extend IIS 7's potential through coding.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized IIS 7 book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed and continue to serve as trusted guides in the IIS 7 community.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "IIS Security" if protecting your server is a priority, or "Professional IIS 7" for a broad introduction to managing IIS 7 environments. These books lay strong foundations before moving to more specialized topics.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to IIS 7?

Not at all. While some titles dive deep, many like "Iis 7: Implementation And Administration" break down concepts clearly, making them accessible for newcomers aiming to build solid IIS 7 skills.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with general administration guides such as "Professional IIS 7" or "Iis 7". Follow with security-focused books like "IIS Security". Then explore development and application-specific texts like Shahram Khosravi's work.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your needs. For system administration, "Web Server Administration" is ideal. Developers might prefer "Professional IIS 7 and ASP.NET Integrated Programming". Each book targets different IIS 7 aspects.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast IIS 7 changes?

Though IIS versions evolve, these books capture foundational IIS 7 concepts and practices that remain relevant for many legacy systems and provide insights transferable to newer versions.

Can I get tailored IIS 7 insights instead of reading multiple books?

Yes! While these expert books offer solid guidance, you can create a personalized IIS 7 book tailored to your unique goals and experience. It complements expert knowledge with focused, relevant content just for you.

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