IIS Interview Questions and Answers
Intermediate / 1 to 5 years experienced level questions & answers
Ques 1. Explain the main components of IIS architecture.
IIS architecture consists of the HTTP.sys kernel mode driver, the user-mode components (inetinfo.exe and w3wp.exe), and the configuration and content stored in the Metabase.
Ques 2. How does the HTTP.sys kernel mode driver contribute to IIS?
HTTP.sys is responsible for processing HTTP requests and responses in kernel mode, providing improved performance and security for web applications hosted on IIS.
Ques 3. Explain the differences between a website and a virtual directory in IIS.
A website is a collection of content and settings that can be accessed using a unique domain or IP address. A virtual directory is a directory name that is mapped to a physical directory on the server and is part of a website.
Ques 4. Explain the significance of the Host Headers in IIS.
Host Headers allow a single IP address to serve multiple websites. The server uses the Host Header value in the HTTP request to determine which site to serve.
Ques 5. How can you troubleshoot a slow-performing website in IIS?
Troubleshooting steps may include checking server resource utilization, analyzing logs, optimizing code, reviewing database performance, and using tools like Performance Monitor.
Ques 6. Explain the process of securing an IIS server.
Securing IIS involves configuring server roles, enabling features like SSL, setting up authentication mechanisms, applying security patches, and implementing firewall rules.
Ques 7. What is the significance of the Global Assembly Cache (GAC) in IIS?
The GAC is a central repository for .NET assemblies shared by multiple applications. It allows these assemblies to be accessed by applications running on the same server.
Ques 8. How can you perform backup and restore of IIS configuration?
Backup and restore of IIS configuration can be done by using tools like AppCmd.exe, PowerShell scripts, or by manually exporting and importing configuration settings.
Ques 9. What is the purpose of the IIS Request Filtering module?
Request Filtering allows administrators to restrict the types of HTTP requests that are processed by IIS. It helps enhance security by blocking malicious requests.
Ques 10. What is the purpose of the IIS ARR (Application Request Routing) module?
ARR is a module that enables IIS to act as a load balancer. It can distribute incoming HTTP requests across multiple servers to achieve better performance and fault tolerance.
Ques 11. How can you monitor the performance of IIS?
Performance monitoring in IIS can be done using tools like Performance Monitor, IIS Manager, and third-party monitoring solutions. Key metrics include CPU usage, memory usage, and request/response times.
Ques 12. Explain the purpose of the IIS URL Rewrite module.
URL Rewrite allows administrators to define rules for rewriting or redirecting URLs. It is often used for search engine optimization (SEO) or to create user-friendly URLs.
Ques 13. What is FastCGI and how is it related to IIS?
FastCGI (Fast Common Gateway Interface) is a protocol for interfacing web servers with external applications. In IIS, FastCGI can be used to improve the performance of PHP and other non-native applications.
Ques 14. Explain the concept of Web Deploy in IIS.
Web Deploy is a tool for simplifying the deployment of web applications to IIS servers. It allows developers to package and deploy their applications with ease.
Ques 15. How can you optimize IIS for better performance?
Optimizing IIS involves configuring caching, enabling compression, tuning application pools, optimizing database queries, and minimizing the use of unnecessary modules.
Ques 16. What is the role of the IIS Health and Diagnostics module?
The Health and Diagnostics module in IIS provides monitoring and diagnostics features, including event logging, error tracking, and health monitoring of web applications.
Ques 17. How can you implement custom error pages in IIS?
Custom error pages in IIS can be implemented by configuring the
Ques 18. Explain the purpose of the IIS FTP server.
The IIS FTP server allows the transfer of files over the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). It provides features like user authentication, virtual directories, and SSL support for secure file transfers.
Ques 19. How can you configure SSL for a website in IIS?
SSL can be configured for a website in IIS by obtaining an SSL certificate, binding it to the website, and configuring the necessary SSL settings, such as protocol versions and cipher suites.
Ques 20. How can you configure IP-based restrictions in IIS?
IP-based restrictions in IIS can be configured by using the IP Address and Domain Restrictions feature in IIS Manager. This allows administrators to allow or deny access based on IP addresses or ranges.
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