Should one use AIK or ADK to create an answer file?

[Yamata_no_Orochi]

Hi there, new guy here, trying to up my admin skills. I'm currently trying to practice automated installation so I can create an answer file for OS installation, but I'm seeing options for both AIK and ADK (automated installation/deployment kit)? I currently want to practice with auto installing and eventually mass deployment (when I get five functional computers that's not my main one) and currently the only OS I can use is Windows 7,even though I also want to practice with XP, maybe 8/.1 and eventually 10?

Also, is there anything important I should know when practicing Automated installation and creating answer files and deployment because I'm just using the guide straight off of Microsoft? Thanks in advance to anyone that can help a young buck out.

 

[WinOutreach2]

You should use Windows System Image Manager (WSIM) which is included in either. For Windows 7 the kit of deployment tools was called Windows Automated Installation Kit (AIK), for Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 it was called Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK). Note that the Windows 10 ADK still supports Windows 7 and thus is the most up-to-date set of deployment tools for Windows 7. Download it from the Windows 10 Download Kits and Tools page.

If you’re learning deployment, I’d really recommend going straight to MDT (Microsoft Deployment Toolkit). MDT is a wrapper/wizard/interface that sits over all of the various Microsoft deployment tools and brings them under one tool. It also adds a large amount of additional functionality, like the ability to dynamically deploy driver and application configurations for different devices and requirements and to automate the deployment process.

 

[WinOutreach2]

I should also point out that Windows XP deployment is vastly different from deployment of Windows Vista and newer. For example, where Windows Vista and newer use the modern answer file (unattend.xml), Windows XP uses a different file with a completely different system of formatting, Sysprep.inf. See How to use the Sysprep tool to automate successful deployment of Windows XP at Microsoft Support.

You should also note that deployment Windows XP was last supported in MDT in MDT 2012 Update 1.

Another thing is that if you want to practice Windows 10 deployment (which is very similar to deployment of Windows 8.1 and would bring you up to speed quite well) you can use the Windows 10 Enterprise Evaluation from the TechNet Evaluation Center.