Member Avatar for JeffBot

I'm redeploying my webserver. As of right now my IIS is shut off, and I am in limbo between installing it or going with apache server. My main concerns are ease of use and security, and I'm not sure which is the better choice. Looking for recommendations, so which is your favorite webserver?

TIA!:)

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by ShawnCplus

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For a short, practical decision framework that complements what asked and the points made by and : evaluate by three axes — application compatibility, vendor/OS support, and day-to-day operations (patching, backups, monitoring). Confirm the server and OS you pick are still supported by the vendor before committing; vendor lifecycle pages are the authoritative place for that information (see Microsoft lifecycle for Windows/IIS).

A simple test plan reduces guesswork. Create small, disposable environments (VMs or containers) for each stack, deploy a representative build, and run repeatable tests: load testing (for example with ab or wrk), TLS checks (Qualys SSL Labs), and automated vulnerability scans. Record throughput, latency, error rates, and resource use. Use configuration-management (Ansible, PowerShell DSC, etc.) so the environments are reproducible and you can measure operational effort.

Security and operations tips that apply regardless of choice: run only required modules, apply least privilege to worker processes, keep the OS/web server patched, enable detailed logging and centralized log collection, and protect the perimeter with a WAF or reverse proxy. Follow vendor hardening guidance and app-level controls (see Apache security tips and OWASP Top Ten for common web risks). If the application uses Windows-specific features (.NET, COM, AD), prioritize compatibility; otherwise let measured ops cost, security posture and benchmarks drive the final pick.

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Member Avatar for allexxei

I like apache more than IIS, but it's true that on windows servers the administration of IIS is better.

Member Avatar for ShawnCplus

Apache 2.2.6 over IIS any day in my book but I also prefer Linux. If you're currently running IIS I'm assuming you are more familiar with windows. Also remember that Apache is free

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