7 Best-Selling IIS Books Millions Love

Dive into expert-authored IIS books by Cricket Liu, Mitch Tulloch, and other authorities that have shaped industry best practices.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in the ever-evolving realm of Internet Information Services (IIS). With millions relying on IIS for web server management and hosting, these best-selling books have proven their worth by addressing real-world challenges and offering practical insights. IIS remains a backbone technology powering countless websites and applications, making mastery of its tools and security essential for IT professionals today.

The books featured here come from authors deeply embedded in the IIS ecosystem. For instance, Cricket Liu's foundational work on managing internet services offers a deep dive into server setup and data distribution, while Mitch Tulloch, a 12-time Microsoft MVP, shares hands-on administration expertise for IIS 6. These books stand out not just for their sales but for their enduring influence on how IIS professionals approach configuration, security, and performance.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific IIS needs might consider creating a personalized IIS book that combines these validated approaches. Custom content can blend foundational knowledge with your unique environment and goals, helping you implement IIS solutions more effectively.

Best for internet services managers
Cricket Liu is a renowned DNS expert with a long history of contributions to internet technology. His expertise underpins this book, which provides a thorough manual for creating and managing diverse Internet services. Driven by the goal to empower users to become Internet publishers, Liu and his coauthors explain both the technical setup and data management aspects, making this a valuable resource for professionals working with Internet information services.
Managing Internet Information Services: World Wide Web, Gopher, FTP, and more book cover

by Cricket Liu, Adrian Nye, Jerry Peek, Bryan Buus, Russ Jones··You?

1994·668 pages·IIS, Internet Services, Server Management, Data Management, World Wide Web

Drawing from extensive expertise in DNS and internet technology, Cricket Liu and his coauthors deliver a detailed guide to setting up and managing a variety of Internet services including World Wide Web, FTP, and Gopher. You learn how to configure servers, divide roles within teams, and manage data effectively for diverse service types, with concrete examples like creating online access to endangered species plans. This book is suited for technical professionals and teams aiming to build or maintain Internet information services, especially those interested in practical server setup and data management strategies. While dense, its structured approach makes it a solid reference for those serious about Internet publishing.

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Best for IIS security professionals
IIS Security offers a detailed examination of web security threats specific to IIS environments, combining practical advice with a clear explanation of the tools available through the IIS Administration console. This book has gained recognition for its thorough approach to defending servers against hacking and data loss, making it a trusted resource for those responsible for IIS server security. Marty Jost's work addresses core challenges by exploring authentication, encryption, authorization, and filtering techniques, providing readers with a roadmap to strengthen their web infrastructure effectively.
IIS Security book cover

by Marty Jost·You?

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

Drawing from his deep experience with web server management, Marty Jost recognized the need for a focused guide on securing Internet Information Services (IIS) environments. In this book, you will learn to identify common security threats and understand the strengths and limitations of IIS's built-in tools, such as the IIS Administration console. The author goes beyond basics, detailing advanced techniques involving authentication, encryption, and access control to shield servers from hacking attempts and data loss. If you manage or develop for IIS servers, this book offers concrete insights into defending your infrastructure against evolving security challenges.

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Best for tailored IIS management plans
This AI-created book on IIS management is designed based on your experience and security needs. By sharing your current skills and the specific IIS topics you want to explore, you receive a book that focuses exactly on your interests. This tailored approach means you won’t waste time on irrelevant content but instead get detailed guidance matching your goals for mastering IIS administration and security.
2025·50-300 pages·IIS, IIS Basics, Server Configuration, Security Hardening, Authentication

This tailored book explores advanced techniques and best practices for managing and securing IIS web servers, crafted specifically to match your background and goals. It examines key concepts from server configuration to security hardening, focusing on your areas of interest to deliver targeted depth without unnecessary material. By combining widely recognized knowledge with insights personalized to your unique environment, it provides a focused learning experience that reveals practical approaches to IIS administration. The book delves into topics like authentication methods, application pool management, performance tuning, and threat mitigation, all tailored to your expertise level and objectives.

Tailored Guide
Security Hardening
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for Windows server admins
Mitch Tulloch is a highly respected expert in Windows administration and virtualization, honored 12 times as Microsoft's Most Valuable Professional for his contributions to IT communities worldwide. He has authored numerous books and articles, including the bestselling Windows 7 Resource Kit. His extensive background uniquely qualifies him to guide you through IIS 6 administration, sharing practical knowledge drawn from years of experience supporting Windows servers.
IIS 6 Administration book cover

by Mitch Tulloch··You?

2003·608 pages·IIS, Web Services, Security, Application Pools, Performance

Mitch Tulloch, a recognized authority in Windows administration and a 12-time Microsoft MVP, brings his deep expertise to the complex world of IIS 6 with this guide. You’ll gain hands-on insights into configuring and maintaining essential web services, managing application pools, and securing your server environment. Chapters devoted to FTP, SMTP, and NNTP services deepen your understanding of managing diverse IIS components, while troubleshooting sections address common pitfalls in content development. This book suits IT professionals responsible for Windows server environments who need a reliable reference to master IIS 6’s administrative challenges.

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Best for IIS 6 system operators
Hethe Henrickson is a recognized authority in IIS administration, emphasizing security and performance. His extensive experience and authorship in web server technologies underpin this guide, which aims to equip you with the skills to effectively deploy, monitor, and secure IIS 6 environments. Henrickson's background ensures the book addresses real-world challenges faced in managing Microsoft's web server platform, offering you practical insights into leveraging IIS 6's architecture and tools.
IIS 6: The Complete Reference book cover

by Hethe Henrickson, Scott Hofmann··You?

2003·720 pages·IIS, Server Administration, Web Development, Security, Performance Tuning

Hethe Henrickson and Scott Hofmann draw on deep expertise in IIS administration to provide a detailed guide for managing and programming IIS 6. The book walks you through deploying and tuning IIS 6, configuring application pools, and securing web servers using new features integrated at the operating system level. You’ll learn how to manage sites, virtual directories, and services like FTP and SMTP, while also gaining practical skills in building Microsoft-centric web applications with ASP.NET, COM, and ISAPI. This resource suits IT professionals and developers aiming to master IIS 6’s architecture and enhance server performance and security.

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Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq ‘MSFT’) is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. The Microsoft IIS Team, with their direct expertise on IIS 6.0, crafted this extensive resource to empower IT professionals managing Windows Server environments. Their deep involvement with IIS development ensures that this book covers critical operational and security aspects with unparalleled authority, making it a valuable guide for anyone working with Microsoft’s web server technology.
2003·1264 pages·IIS, Networking, Software Development, Server Management, Security

When the Microsoft IIS Team compiled this resource, their aim was to provide an authoritative guide to deploying and managing IIS 6.0 on Windows Server 2003. You’ll find over 1200 pages packed with detailed instructions on security configurations, migration strategies from Apache, performance tuning, and troubleshooting techniques, all supported by tools included on the companion CD. Whether you’re upgrading existing servers or optimizing new deployments, this book offers direct insights from the product team that designed IIS 6.0, making it especially useful for system administrators and IT professionals who manage Windows-based web servers. If you’re looking for a deep dive into IIS 6.0’s architecture and operations, this resource delivers practical knowledge without fluff.

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Best for rapid IIS competency
This AI-created book on IIS mastery is tailored to your current skill level and specific goals. By sharing your background and areas of interest, you receive a custom guide that focuses on the IIS topics most relevant to you. This approach ensures efficient learning by concentrating on what matters most for your rapid development in managing IIS environments.
2025·50-300 pages·IIS, IIS Fundamentals, Server Setup, Security Configuration, Application Pools

This tailored book offers a dynamic 30-day guide designed to accelerate your mastery of Internet Information Services (IIS). It explores fundamental concepts and practical techniques, focusing on your unique background and goals to ensure the content matches your interests. Each chapter builds on the last, revealing essential skills and troubleshooting approaches, while personalized insights help you navigate complex IIS configurations and security measures effectively. By combining widely validated knowledge with your specific needs, this book fosters a hands-on learning experience that promotes rapid skill development and confidence in managing IIS environments.

Tailored Guide
IIS Skill Acceleration
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for advanced IIS 8 users
Ken Schaefer is a senior architect at HP Enterprise Services and a Microsoft MVP for Windows Server/IIS. His involvement with Professional Microsoft IIS 8 builds on his deep experience and previous work coauthoring Professional IIS 7. This book reflects Schaefer’s commitment to delivering expert-level knowledge on IIS 8, particularly focusing on automation, security, and extensibility that professionals need to manage complex web environments effectively.
Professional Microsoft IIS 8 book cover

by Kenneth Schaefer, Jeff Cochran, Scott Forsyth, Dennis Glendenning, Benjamin Perkins··You?

2012·992 pages·IIS, Networking, Software Development, Server Management, Automation

When Kenneth Schaefer and his coauthors brought their extensive Microsoft MVP expertise to this edition, they crafted a detailed guide that goes far beyond basic IIS 8 administration. You’ll find clear insights into automating tasks with PowerShell and AppCmd, plus deep dives into security protocols like Kerberos and SSL that often get skimmed elsewhere. The book also covers extensibility for developers with ISAPI and HTTPModules, providing hands-on ways to customize your server environment. If you manage corporate intranets or commercial web hosting, this book arms you with both foundational skills and complex troubleshooting techniques essential for maintaining robust IIS 8 deployments.

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Jason Helmick brings 25 years of IT experience as a Senior Technologist and PowerShell.Org board member to this practical guide. His deep expertise in Active Directory and IIS informed this book, designed to help administrators quickly gain confidence managing IIS. The lessons focus on real-world tasks like securing servers, managing web farms, and automating routine jobs, making it a valuable resource for those responsible for Microsoft server environments.
2014·372 pages·IIS, Networking, Software Development, Server Management, Web Farm

When Jason Helmick discovered the gap in practical IIS learning resources, he crafted this book to make mastering IIS manageable for busy IT professionals. You’ll progress through manageable daily lessons that cover everything from deploying web servers to securing sites and building high-availability web farms, with clear examples and exercises that don’t assume prior IIS experience. The book excels at translating complex IIS management and automation tasks into approachable skills you can apply immediately, especially useful for administrators juggling multiple responsibilities. If you want to confidently handle IIS to keep Microsoft servers and web applications running smoothly, this book provides a focused path without overwhelming technical jargon.

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Proven IIS Strategies, Personalized for You

Get expert-endorsed IIS methods tailored to your specific needs and skill level.

Targeted learning paths
Efficient skill building
Customized IIS insights

Trusted by thousands of IIS professionals worldwide

IIS Mastery Blueprint
30-Day IIS Success System
IIS Strategy Foundations
IIS Performance Code Secrets

Conclusion

This collection of 7 best-selling IIS books highlights a few clear themes: practical, hands-on guidance; a strong focus on security and administration; and the value of learning from seasoned professionals who have shaped IIS best practices. If you prefer proven methods, starting with Mitch Tulloch's "IIS 6 Administration" or the Microsoft IIS Team's resource kit can ground you in solid administration techniques. For validated security strategies, Marty Jost's "IIS Security" offers focused insights.

For newcomers or those balancing time constraints, Jason Helmick’s approachable "Learn Windows IIS in a Month of Lunches" breaks down complex topics into manageable lessons. Alternatively, you can create a personalized IIS book to combine proven methods with your unique needs.

These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in managing and securing IIS environments. Whether you're upgrading legacy systems or deploying modern IIS solutions, the expertise captured in these titles offers a dependable path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "Learn Windows IIS in a Month of Lunches" by Jason Helmick. It's designed for busy IT pros new to IIS, offering clear, manageable lessons that build your skills step-by-step.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to IIS?

Not all. While some focus on advanced administration like "IIS 6 Administration," others, such as Helmick's book, cater to beginners with practical guidance you can follow without prior experience.

Should I start with the newest IIS book or a classic one?

It depends on your needs. Newer books like "Professional Microsoft IIS 8" cover modern features, but classics like Cricket Liu's "Managing Internet Information Services" provide foundational knowledge still relevant today.

Do these books assume I already have experience with IIS?

Some do, especially those focused on in-depth administration. However, "Learn Windows IIS in a Month of Lunches" is tailored for beginners and explains concepts from the ground up.

Which IIS book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

Marty Jost’s "IIS Security" offers practical steps for securing your IIS servers, making it highly useful for immediate application in protecting your web infrastructure.

Can I get IIS guidance tailored to my specific needs instead of reading multiple books?

Yes, while these expert books provide solid foundations, you can create a personalized IIS book that blends proven methods with your unique goals and experience level for more focused learning.

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