What are the differences between apache and IIS ?

Apache is a software foundation that provides open source software which is used in web servers. Their primary product is their HTTP server which is the most popular HTTP server in use today. IIS or Internet Information Services is the software pack developed by Microsoft to provide their Windows operating system the ability to host internet services. 

The Apache web server is very popular due to the fact that is free.  Apache is most commonly included in a totally free web server solution called LAMP.

IIS is from Microsoft and thus it would only run on the Microsoft Windows OS. Although it might seem to be free, the fact that you need to buy Windows to use it shatters that dream. The clear advantage with running IIS is the fact most people are already familiar with the Windows operating system and IIS would be a lot easier to learn for Windows users. IIS also comes with the support of the .NET Framework released by Microsoft.

1. Apache is free while IIS is packaged with Windows.
2. IIS only runs on Windows while Apache can run on almost any OS including UNIX, Apple’s OS X, and on most Linux Distributions.
3. ASPX runs only in IIS.
4. IIS has a dedicated staff to answer most problems while support for Apache comes from the community itself.
5. IIS is optimized for Windows because they are from the same company.
6. The Windows OS is prone to security risks.

1. Apache is open source and is compatible with all operating system. IIS is only compatible with Windows operating system.

2. Apache supports PHP and MySQL. IIS supports PHP, .net framework and .aspx script.

3. Apache doesnt need any license to run commercially but IIS will require a license from Microsoft to operate commercially.

4. Apache has enhance security than IIS server

1. Apache is opensource software and it is platform independent - IIS Server developed by Microsoft and it will run only in Microsoft Operating System
2. Apache will support different application programs comparing to IIS. Example - Python, PHP, html, etc. - IIS will support ASP.net based application and html
3. Apache webserver architecture is very good comparing to IIS Webserver
4. Apache have good security from vulnerabilities comparing to IIS Webserver
5. We can fine the webserver performance on apache comparing to IIS Webserver

Both Apache and IIS have their pros and cons as outlined above. Determining which one to use is determined by several factors: IIS must be bundled with Windows but Apache does not have big-name corporate support, Apache has excellent security but does not offer IIS’s excellent .NET support. And so on. The final choice may well be a compromise dictated by whichever solution meets as many of your must-have needs as possible. The table summary below may also help.

Feature                                     IIS                                                         Apache

Supported OS                    Windows                                            Linux, Unix, Windows, Mac OS

User support & fixes     Corporate support                                 Community Support

Cost                                Free, but bundled with Windows                 Completely free

Development                       Closed, proprietary                                   Open source

Security                                     Excellent                                                   Good

Performance                                 Good                                                     Good

Market Share                                 32%                                                        42%

1. IIS(Internet Information Service) - is the bundled web server by microsoft to its windows operating system starting from Windows NT to Windows8. It supports HTTPS, HTTP, FTPS,FTP, NNTP and SMTP.

2. APACHE is an HTTP server that can be ran on various OS including windows.

3. To the most basic difference, APACHE runs PHP pages, while IIS runs ASP,ASPX,ASX page,