BDD 2007 is Microsoft's new framework of tools to deploy Windows Vista and XP. The great thing about BDD 2007 is that you can put it in place now for your XP builds, and when you're ready to start dropping Vista into your environment you'll be ready with the best tools and methods! Now for the hard part: Building your BDD environment is a bit overwhelming the first time you do it. Here's a quick guide to get started now!
Now before we even get the BDD Workbench console open, BDD has a lot of dependencies. Here are some direct links to download all the files you'll need:
Before you install BDD:
1) MMC 3.0
2) .Net Framework 2.0
Once these updates are installed you can install BDD:
BDD Link
With BDD downloaded and installed, you have 2 options. you can drill down into the BDD WorkBench console and download the rest of the dependancies:
Or you can download the components separately (see links below): (As of this version of BDD you'll need to download the application compatibility tool kit separately)
MSXML 6.0
User State Migration Tools
Application Compatibility Tool Kit
Windows Automated Installation Tool Kit*
*Note: at the publishing of this article the WAIK download may not be working. If this is the case you can still download it from within the BDD components console.
Once you have downloaded the packaged just install then as you would any normal application. Once each is installed they will register in the BDD Workbench as installed.
Now that you have your server set up, BDD is not just a set of tools, it's also a set of guides that lay down best practice information for IT pros. The first place you want to start with BDD is the team guides.
The team guides provide a lot of information about how to get going with BDD. However a lot of the time people get overwhelmed. Just 3 points here.
1) That's ok! this will take a bit time, and you'll feel like you're getting a fire hose in the face for the first few days when starting to learn BDD.
2) Focus on one item at a time. Don't get discouraged.
3) Keep reading TLA, we'll be keeping you up to date with the best BDD tips, tricks, and guidance!