Best practices for deploying O.S. images

I am looking to streamline installation of new PC’s and seem to recall that a long time ago we used Windows Deployment services. Is this still the best way to go or do other methods (free if possible please) exist with a shallow learning curve?

Can’t resist…

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The first question would be what OS (or rather, given your question about Windows Deployment Services, which version of that OS) you’re trying to manage.