1. Windows XP Professional is a very stable operating system.  You can leave the server unattended for months at a time and not worry about system crashes and failures. 
2. It's not as expensive as Windows 2003 Server.  A very important consideration! 
3. IIS 5.1 can handle web, FTP, and email services nicely.  The only drawback is that you are limited to 10 concurrent connections to your website which shouldn't be a problem for most people. 
4. The webserver software is included with OS and is easy to setup. 

Start --> Settings --> Control Panel --> Add or Remove Programs --> Add/Remove Windows Components 

 

Check the box labeled "Internet Information Services (IIS)".

 

Click "Details"

 

You can see what items are installed by default here.  For this guide, we're going to install FTP as well so check that box as well.

 

Click "OK".  Then click "Next".  Installation will begin.

 

You will be asked for the Windows XP CD-ROM.  Put the CD in your CD-ROM drive and click "OK".

Installation is now complete.  Click "Finish".

 

Let's do a quick check to see if everything is running.

Start --> Run --> Type in "cmd"

In the DOS command prompt, type in "netstat -a"

You should see that ftp, smtp, http, and https are all active.

 

Let's do a quick test to see if the webserver is running.  Fire up your browser and type in "localhost" into your address line.

You'll see this: 

 

This message is just for you.  Only you can see it, the rest of the world sees this:

 

Alright, installation is now done.  Next we have to configure the server to work correctly.

Important:  Even if you have all the windows updates installed on your computer, you will need to run windows update again after you install IIS.  There are several patches that need to be downloaded AFTER you install IIS.  IIS is fairly vulnerable right out of the box, so keep it updated!  It is a very popular target for hackers.
 

Step-by-Step Menu

Next: IIS 5.1 - The Web Server Configuration