What is the best way to optimize a Windows Server 2008 window using IIS7 to work only with static files?

Question

I want our web applications to download static content (css, js, images) from a static file server running Windows Server 2008 and IIS7.

What kind of optimization will you do on the server for this single purpose?

(Changes to Machine.config? Changes to Web.config? Special Settings or IIS7 Modules? What?)

Answer 1

Some tips:

• Enable gzip compression: http://blogs.msdn.com/vivekkum/archive/2009/02/18/http-compression-in-iis-6-and-iis-7-using-service-account.aspx
• Set cache control: maximum age up to 31536000 (1 year). code.google.com will tell you why → http://code.google.com/speed/page-speed/docs/caching.html . This link will tell you how → http://consultingblogs.emc.com/jonathangeorge/archive/2009/09/09/how-to-improve-your-yslow-score-under-iis7.aspx

Answer 2

Microsoft Technet describes the configuration for static article hosting.

But basically, you need to add a service of a specific role to host static content.

I'm not sure you did this, but to optimize the crowd, serverfault will most likely get more response for you.