Before You Begin
Welcome to Microsoft® Internet Information Server version 2.0 for the Windows NT® Server version 4.0 operating system. With Microsoft Internet Information Server, a computer running Windows NT Server becomes a high-volume, robust Web server that can publish information to users down the hall or around the world. Internet Information Server is ideal for corporate networks on Windows NT-based computers because you can set up powerful Web servers on your existing hardware. Internet Information Server is integrated into the Windows NT Server operating system and takes advantage of its security features and performance capabilities.
Using Internet Information Server, you can develop a Web site that can be used to:
- Publish a “home page” on the Internet for your business featuring a newsletter, sales information, or employment opportunities.
- Publish a catalog and take orders from customers.
- Publish interactive programs.
- Provide your remote sales force easy access to your sales database.
- Use an order-tracking database.
- Publish an employee handbook.
Internet Information Server also provides other information services and supports a variety of interfaces that you can use to develop other features for your Web site. You can:
- Create high performance client-server applications using the Microsoft Internet Server Application Programming Interface (ISAPI).
- Customize the WWW Service by creating ISAPI filter programs that listen to incoming or outgoing requests and automatically perform actions, such as enhanced logging.
- Run Common Gateway Interface (CGI) applications or scripts.
- Transmit or receive files using the FTP service.
- Publish archives of information, spanning multiple computers, using the gopher service.
Internet Information Server includes the following components:
- Internet services: WWW, FTP, and gopher.
- Internet Service Manager, the tool for administering the Internet services.
- Internet Database Connector, the component for sending queries to databases.
- Key Manager, the tool for installing Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) keys.
After you have installed the Internet services, we recommend that you start Internet Explorer and browse through the samples and documentation. To start, type http://computername/samples in the Address box of Internet Explorer, where computername is the name of your computer.
For current information about IIS, browse our World Wide Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/infoserv.
Microsoft Internet Information Server version 2.0 offers significant performance improvements over previous releases. This release also introduces the following new features:
- Integration into Microsoft Windows NT version 4.0 Setup
- Support for HTTP Host Header
- National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) style map files
- Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) byte range support
- Enhanced error logging
- Native support for NCSA Common Log File format
- Translation of Structured Query Language (SQL) data to Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) format
- Server variables in Internet Database Connector files
- CGI applications receive all environment variables
- Multiple queries and connection pooling with Internet Database Connector
- Service administration through a Web browser
- Graphical tool for creating SSL keys
- Content indexing of HTML pages and other documents
Internet Information Server version 2.0 setup is fully integrated into Windows NT Server version 4.0 setup, allowing you to set up your Internet services while installing Windows NT Server. See Chapter 1, “Installing Internet Information Server,” for more information.
For a server with only one Internet Protocol (IP) address (a single-hosted server), the host name will be returned in the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) to the browser on redirection. For example, if a client types an address requesting a directory and does not type the final slash mark, the host name (rather than the IP address) appears in the URL returned to the browser. You can configure the host name by using the TCP/IP property of the Protocols property sheet in the Network application of the Windows NT Control Panel. If no host name is configured, the domain name will be returned to the browser.
For a server with more than one IP address (a multiple-hosted server, with virtual servers), the IP addresses will be returned.
You can change this feature with the ReturnURLUsingHostName registry entry. See Chapter 10, “Configuring Registry Entries,” for details.
In addition to Conseil Europeen pour la Recherche Nucleaire (CERN) style map files, IIS version 2.0 NCSA style map files. This feature facilitates porting from systems (such as UNIX®) that support NCSA mapping.
This feature enables a browser that supports byte range to copy part of a file from the server rather than the entire file. You can thus start receiving data at a particular place within a file, which is useful if a transmission is interrupted and you want to restart it where it left off, rather than recopy the entire file.
Internet Information Server now logs errors as well as successful transactions. You can set your log files to record only errors, only successful transmissions, or both. You do this by editing the LogSuccessfulRequests and LogErrorRequests registry entries. See Chapter 10, “Configuring Registry Entries,” for details.
You can now choose between the Microsoft log file format and the NCSA Common Log File format. You no longer need to convert the Microsoft format to the NCSA format. See Chapter 7, “Logging Server Activity,” for more information.
If you are publishing a database in a language with non-English characters, you can map special characters to HTML format. This feature lets browsers display characters unique to other languages (such as à, ô, and é).
See Chapter 8, “Publishing Information and Applications,” for more details.
Internet Information Server version 2.0 supports adding the server variables to if statements in Internet Database Connector .idc files for database queries, using the %variable% notation in the .idc files.
See Chapter 8, “Publishing Information and Applications,” for more details.
Internet Information Server now passes all environment variables defined in the CGI specification to CGI applications. For information on Internet Information Server’s support for environment variables, see Chapter 8, “Publishing Information and Applications.”
In Internet Database Connector files, you can now group SQL queries as batch queries or multiple queries to improve performance. For more information, see Chapter 8, “Publishing Information and Applications.”
When running a series of Internet Database Connector files, you can now open a connection to the database and keep it open rather than opening and closing a connection each time the database is queried. Pooled connections may improve performance. For information on opening a connection pool for all .idc files, see the description of PoolIDCConnections in Chapter 10, “Configuring the Registry.” For information on selecting which .idc files to include in a connection pool, see the description of the ODBC Connection field in Chapter 8, “Publishing Information and Applications.”
The Internet Service Manager (HTML version) program provides functionality equivalent to Internet Service Manager. Using the HTML version of Internet Service Manager with your Internet browser, you can administer Internet Information Servers across the Internet. For more information see Chapter 3, “Configuring and Managing Your Internet Information Server.”
As part of the process of enabling Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) security on your Web server, you generate a key pair and then acquire an SSL certificate. The new Key Manager application (which is installed with the product and located in the Internet Server submenu) simplifies this procedure. For more information see Chapter 5, “Securing Your Site Against Intruders.”
Microsoft Index Server for Windows NT Server 4.0 automatically indexes the text of documents on your Web server. Index Server indexes the complete text of HTML pages and other documents, such as those created in Microsoft Office. Microsoft Index Server also indexes OLE document properties (such as author and subject) and HTML tags so that users can search on the contents of these properties and tags.You can create custom query forms to help users quickly and easily find information on your Web site. You can use Index Server to index documents on multiple servers and in multiple languages. Visit the Microsoft Web site to download Microsoft Index Server.
Installation and Administration Guide For Microsoft Internet Information Server tells you what you need to install the services and plan your Web site. This book also provides information about the following topics:
- Configuring your server
- Installing an IIS Web server on your intranet or on the Internet
- Publishing content
- Networking
- Security
- Creating content directories and virtual servers
- Logging
- Creating and installing interactive applications, such as ISAPI applications or CGI scripts
- Using the FTP and gopher services
This book is accessible by choosing IIS Topics from the Help menu in Internet Service Manager, by clicking Documentation in Internet Service Manager (HTML version), or by choosing Product Documentation from the Internet Server program group.
Context-sensitive Help is available for Internet Service Manager dialog boxes and property sheets. To access online Help you can:
- Press any Help button.
- Press F1 at any time.
Online Help is also available for the browser-based version of Internet Service Manager. To access the online Help, click the Help button at the bottom of each Internet Service Manager page.
Microsoft Internet Information Server includes examples to help you create content and configure your server. To see the examples, start your browser and type the address http://computername/samples,where computername is the name of your server.
The examples include:
- A sample Web site
- Internet Database Connector examples
- ISAPI programming examples
- A tool to configure logging to a SQL Server database
- A tool to create a new ODBC datasource on your server
- A link to www.microsoft.com, which contains many Web page examples and documents that teach you about HTML
The documentation for Internet Information Server assumes you understand the basic operation of Windows NT and that Windows NT Server is installed on your server. It is not assumed that you understand the Internet. It is helpful, but not necessary, to understand TCP/IP networking.
Securing your server and network is important before installing your site on the Internet. You should fully understand the information in Chapter 5, “Securing Your Site Against Intruders.” If you do not understand the information, you should consult Windows NT documentation or other sources.
In addition to the information in this book, online Help, and online examples, additional information about using Internet Information Server is available from the following sources.
Microsoft TechNet is the front-line resource for fast complete answers to technical questions on Microsoft desktop and system products. Two monthly compact discs provide everything from crucial data on client/server and workgroup computing, systems platforms, and database products to the latest applications support for Microsoft Windows and the Apple® Macintosh®. For ordering information, call your reseller or (800) 344-2121.
The Microsoft Developer Network provides in-depth information for developers using ISAPI. With Level 1 of the Developer Network, you get four quarterly releases of the Development Library, packed with inside information on programming for Microsoft Windows and Windows NT, plus other program benefits. With Level 2 of the Developer Network, you receive all the Level 1 benefits plus quarterly releases of the Development Platform, containing the latest Windows and Windows NT Workstation operating systems and API-level Software Development Kits (SDKs) and Device Development Kits (DDKs) from Microsoft. For ordering information, call (800) 759-5474.
Microsoft is committed to making its products and services easier for everyone to use. This appendix
provides information about the following features, products and services, which make Microsoft®
Windows®, Microsoft Windows NT, and Microsoft Internet Information Server more accessible
for people with disabilities:
- Features and hints for customizing Windows or Windows NT.
- Microsoft services for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
- Microsoft software documentation online, or on audio cassette, floppy disk, or
compact disc (CD).
- Third-party utilities to enhance accessibility.
- Other products and services for people with disabilities.
Note The information in this appendix applies only if you acquired Microsoft products in the United States. If you
acquired Windows or Windows NT outside the United States, your package contains a subsidiary
information card listing Microsoft support services telephone numbers and addresses. You can contact your
subsidiary to find out whether the type of products and services described in this appendix are available in
your area.
Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0 include several accessibility features that provide users who are
movement or hearing disabled with better access to computers that run Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0.
These features enable you to change your display, mouse, and keyboard features, as well as use sound to
help you use Windows most effectively.
For example, if you have trouble using a mouse, you can use the MouseKeys feature, which enables you to
use the numeric keypad to move the mouse pointer.
To find these features, double-click the Accessibility Options icon in Control Panel. For a more detailed list
of procedures, look up “accessibility” in the Help Index.
Accessibility Options Shortcut Keys
To use Accessibility Options shortcut keys, the shortcut keys must be enabled. For more information, look
up “accessibility” in the Help Index.
| To |
Press |
| Toggle StickyKeys on and off |
SHIFT 5 times |
| Toggle FilterKeys on and off |
RIGHT SHIFT for 8 seconds |
| Toggle ToggleKeys on and off |
NUMLOCK for 5 seconds |
| Toggle MouseKeys on and off |
LEFT ALT + LEFT SHIFT + NUMLOCK |
There are many ways you can customize Windows or Windows NT to make your computer more
accessible.
Beginning with Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0, accessibility features are built into Windows. These
features are useful for individuals who have difficulty typing or using a mouse, have moderately impaired
vision, or who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Look up “accessibility” in the Windows Help Index for
information about installing and using these features.
Many of the features which make Windows 95 and Windows NT 4.0 more accessible can be added to
earlier versions of Microsoft Windows, Windows NT, and MS-DOS through Access Packs. You can
download these files by modem, or you can order them on disks from Microsoft.
You can also use Control Panel and other built-in features to adjust the appearance and behavior of
Windows or Windows NT to suit varying vision and motor abilities. These include adjusting colors and
sizes, sound volume, and the behavior of the mouse and keyboard.
Dvorak keyboard layouts make the most frequently typed characters on a keyboard more accessible if you
have difficulty using the standard “QWERTY” layout. There are three Dvorak layouts: one if you are a
two-handed user, one if you type with your left hand only, and one if you type with your right hand only.
You do not need to purchase any special equipment to use these features.
The specific features available, and whether they are built-in or must be obtained separately, depend on
which operating system you are using.
For full documentation on the accessibility features available in the operating system you are using, obtain
the appropriate application notes listed below. Accessibility features are also documented in the Microsoft
Windows 95 Resource Kit and the Microsoft Windows NT Resource Kit.
Which Files to Download or Order
The application notes listed here provide more complete documentation on ways to customize Windows
and Windows NT for individuals with disabilities. The Access Packs and Dvorak keyboard layouts are
add-on utilities available for versions of Windows or Windows NT where they are not built in.
You can obtain these files by downloading them with your modem, or you can order them on disks by
phone. Specific information about downloading or ordering these files immediately follows this list of files.
These files include:
- Application notes providing more complete documentation on ways to customize Windows and
Windows NT.
- Access Packs and Dvorak keyboard layouts provide additional features for versions of Windows or
Windows NT in which they are not already included.
| For |
You need |
| Application notes for Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 |
Ww1279 |
| Application notes for Microsoft Windows 95 |
Ww1062 |
| Application notes for Microsoft Windows NT 3.1 and 3.5(includes Access Pack for Microsoft
Windows NT) |
Wn0789 |
| Application notes for Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.1 |
Wg0788 |
| Application notes for Microsoft Windows 3.1 |
Ww0787 |
| Application notes for Microsoft Windows 3.0 |
Ww0786 |
| Access Pack for Microsoft Windows 3.0 and 3.1 |
Accp.exe |
| Dvorak keyboard layouts for people who type with one hand(already included in Windows NT
3.5 and higher) |
Ga0650 |
To Download the Access Packs, Application Notes, and Alternative Keyboard
Layouts by Modem
If you have a modem, you can download these files from the following network services:
- Microsoft’s World Wide Web Site on the Internet: http:// www.microsoft.com.
- Microsoft’s Internet servers, ftp.microsoft.com and gopher.microsoft.com, in /softlib/mslfiles.
- MSN™, The Microsoft Network online service.
- CompuServe®, type GO MSL.
- GEnie™.
- Microsoft Download Service (MSDL), which you can reach by calling (206) 936-6735 any time except
between 1:00 A.M. and 2:30 A.M. Pacific time.
In addition to the standard forms of documentation, many Microsoft products are also available in other
formats to make them more accessible.
If you have difficulty reading or handling printed documentation, you can obtain many Microsoft publications
from Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, Inc. Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic distributes these
documents to registered, eligible members of their distribution service, either on audio cassettes or on floppy
disks. The Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic collection contains more than 80,000 titles, including
Microsoft product documentation and books from Microsoft Press. You can contact Recording for the
Blind & Dyslexic at the following address or phone numbers for information about eligibility and availability
of Microsoft product documentation and books from Microsoft Press:
In addition to the features and resources already described in this appendix, other products, services, and
resources are available from Microsoft and other organizations.
Directories of Computer Products that Help People with Disabilities
The Trace R&D Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison produces a book and a compact disc that
describe products that help people with disabilities use computers. The book, titled Trace ResourceBook,
provides descriptions and photographs of about 2,000 products. The compact disc, titled CO-NET CD,
provides a database of more than 18,000 products and other information for people with disabilities. It is
issued twice a year.
To obtain these directories, contact:
Referrals to Assistive Technology Programs and Trained Evaluators
For general information and recommendations on how computers can help specific needs, you should
consult a trained evaluator. An assistive technology program in your area will provide referrals to programs
and services that are available to you.
To locate the assistive technology program nearest you, contact:
© 1996 by Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
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