Set Up the Test Lab

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, this test only determines whether the preferred configuration performs as expected. If you are upgrading an existing network, determine whether the preferred configuration is compatible with your current line-of-business 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.

This phase in the deployment process involves four significant efforts:

• Preparing the test lab

• Installing Windows NT Workstation on a test computer

• Testing the preferred client configuration

• Restoring the system to test the restoration process