Using the preferred client configuration specified in the previous phase, proceed with installing the configuration in the lab for testing and evaluation. Because only the client-computer configuration is being installed (server installation is described in the following section), this test only determines whether the preferred configuration performs as expected, and whether it is compatible with your current applications and processes.
Depending on how the test installation proceeds, it may be necessary to modify the configuration, by either adding or removing selected features. If more than one configuration is being considered, side-by-side evaluations of different configurations can be performed to help determine which one works best.
The following checklist outlines the tasks in performing the lab test of the client configuration. These tasks apply for each computer used to install a client configuration. For step-by-step instructions on installing and selecting features, see Chapter 3, "Introduction to Windows 95 Setup."
Performing the Lab Test
Task | Team | Start week | Duration |
1: Make sure that the computer meets your company's standards and the Windows 95 minimum standards for operation — at least a 4-MB 386DX or better. If not, perform the hardware upgrades now. | Installation | Week 4 | 0.1 day |
2: Defragment the hard disk and scan it for viruses. | Installation | Week 4 | 0.1 day |
3: Back up and verify key data and configuration files, such as INI, AUTOEXEC.BAT, and CONFIG.SYS files. Also back up the Windows and DOS directories, and all files in the root directory. Make a system startup disk containing COMMAND.COM, SYS.COM, and FDISK.EXE. | Installation | Week 4 | 0.1 day |
4: Ensure that the current network client software is functioning properly and, referring to the checklist of inventoried applications, make sure that all important applications operate correctly. | Installation | Week 4 | 1 day |
5: Install Windows 95 on the test computer in the lab, using the preferred client configuration identified in the previous phase. | Planning, Installation | Week 4 | 1 day |
6: Test the installation: Can you connect to and browse the network? Can you print both locally and across the network? Can you perform the core operations of each application locally and on the network (including opening, closing, and printing)? Can you shut down successfully? | Planning, Installation | Week 4 | 2 days |
7: Optionally, if you have several test computers, compare your old client configuration under Windows 3.x and your new preferred configuration. How do the two compare in terms of the following: Functionality for administering the computer? Performance for local disk and network actions? Ease of use for performing common tasks? Stability of the computer under stress? Compatibility with applications and hardware? | Installation, Planning | Week 5 | 2 days |
8: If the specified client configuration did not work as expected, modify and document the differences until a working preferred client configuration is installed. | Planning, Installation | Week 5 | As required |
9: Perform a complete restoration of operating system files and system capabilities for your old client configuration on the computer running Windows 95. | Installation | Week 5 | 1 day |
10: Evaluate the restoration process for problems. Document the process and the modifications made. | Installation, Planning | Week 5 | 0.5 day |
11: Have all team members participate in installing the preferred configuration on a variety of hardware. | Installation, Planning | Week 5 | 3 days |