Windows CE
Windows CE (sometimes abbreviated WinCE) is a variation of Microsoft's Windows operating system for minimalistic computers and embedded systems. Windows CE is a distinctly different kernel, rather than a 'trimmed down' version of desktop Windows. It is supported on Intel x86 and lookalikes, MIPS (see MIPS architecture), ARM family and Hitachi SuperH processors.
Windows CE is optimized for devices that have minimal storage - a Windows CE kernel may run in under a megabyte of memory. Devices are often configured without disk storage, and may be configured as a 'closed' system that does not allow for end user extension (for instance, it can be burned into ROM). Windows CE conforms to the definition of a real-time operating system, with a deterministic interrupt latency. It supports 256 priority levels and provides for priority inversion. Unlike UNIX-like operating systems, the fundamental unit of execution is the thread, providing for simpler, faster concurrent programming (see Thread (computer programming)).
Microsoft has stated that the "CE" is not an intentional acronym, but many people believe CE stands for "Consumer Electronics" or "Compact Edition". The first version, nicknamed "Pegasus" featured a Windows-like GUI and a number of Microsoft's popular applications, all trimmed down for smaller storage, memory and speed of the palmtops of the day.
Since then, Windows CE has evolved into - according to Microsoft's docs - a component-based, embedded, real-time operating system. It's no longer only targeted at hand-held computers. Many platforms have been based on the core Windows CE operating system, including Microsoft's Handheld PC, Pocket PC, Pocket PC 2002 and Smartphone 2002. Versions of Windows CE were even made to run on the Sega Dreamcast.
A distinctive feature of Windows CE vis-a-vis other Microsoft OS, is that large parts of it are offered in source code form. First, source code was offered to several vendors, so they could adjust it to their hardware. Then products like Platform Builder (an integrated environment for Windows CE OS image creation and integration) offered several components in source code form to the general public.
It's often stated that Windows CE 3.0 and Pocket PC are the same thing, or that Pocket PC is the successor to Windows CE 3.0. This isn't true. Windows CE 3.0 is a selection of operating system components, some of which provide subsets of other components' features (e.g. varying levels of windowing support; DCOM vs COM), others which are mutually exclusive (bitmapped or TrueType font support) and others which add additional features to another component. You can buy a kit (the Platform Builder) which contains all these components and the tools with which to develop a custom platform. Applications such as Pocket Word are not part of this kit.
Pocket PC is a Microsoft-defined custom platform for general PDA use, and consists of a Microsoft-defined set of minimum profiles (Professional Edition, Premium Edition) of software and hardware that is supported. The rules for manufacturing a Pocket PC device are stricter than those for producing your own Windows CE-based platform.
The Pocket PC is a personal digital assistant based on Windows CE. There are also cellphones, appliances, industrial controllers and other electronic devices based on Windows CE.
The major contender of the day was PalmOS, featured on an incompatible platform.
Competing Products
WinCEs major competition is Linux, VxWorks, eCos, OSE, QNX and Symbian OS. Some device manufacturers handcraft their own system. The projected market shares for the 2004 - 2005 period are:
- Linux - 49%
- WinCE - 10%
- Homegrown - 9%
- VxWorks - 6%
See also
