Final answer:
The technician would use the Windows System Image Manager (WSIM), part of the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK), to create the answer file for a customized unattended installation of Windows 10 that installs specific applications and device drivers.
Step-by-step explanation:
A technician who wishes to perform a customized unattended network installation of Windows 10 on a PC and needs to create an answer file would use the Windows System Image Manager (WSIM) tool. This is part of the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK).
The WSIM helps create an answer file, known as unattend.xml, which is used to automate the installation process. This file can include several settings, such as partition configurations, network settings, default input locales, and the installation of specific applications and device drivers.
To use WSIM, the technician first needs to install the Windows ADK, then launch WSIM and create a new answer file. From there, they can insert the appropriate settings and save the answer file which is then used with Windows Deployment Services (WDS) or copied to a removable media to automate the installation on the target computer.