Frequently Asked Questions

Windows CE .Net

Revision - 2.0

Q:  What exactly is Windows CE .NET?
A:  Microsoft® Windows® CE .NET is an open, scalable, 32-bit operating system that is designed to meet the needs of a broad range of intelligent devices, from enterprise tools such as industrial controllers, communications hubs, and point-of-sale terminals to consumer products such as cameras, Internet appliances, and interactive televisions. A typical Windows CE–based embedded system is targeted for a specific use, often runs disconnected from other computers, and requires an operating system that has a small footprint and a built-in deterministic response to interrupts.

Q:  What is the Windows CE .Net website?
A:  http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/ce.net/default.asp

Q:  When was Windows CE .Net launched?
A:  January 7, 2002

Q:  What’s new in Windows CE .NET?
A:  New and enhanced features include: 

• New built-in base configurations expedite development for common platforms
• Export SDK, New Platform, and BSP wizards streamline platform development
• Kernel Independent Transport Layer (KITL) supports customized communication services
• Feature-based Catalog enables easy platform feature selection
• Automatic dependency checking seamlessly adds supported features

Q:  What wireless technologies does Windows CE .Net have?
A: 

·         Bluetooth: Bluetooth is an emerging wireless communication technology that allows devices within a 10-meter proximity to communicate with each other.

·         802.1x/Zero Configuration: Windows CE .NET introduces 802.11 Zero Configuration, 802.1x and Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP).

·         Object Exchange (OBEX) Protocol: Object Exchange (OBEX) is an efficient, compact binary protocol that enables a wide range of devices to exchange data spontaneously in a simple, efficient manner.

·         MediaSense: The MediaSense feature improves the roaming experience for mobile device users by notifying applications of network status. For example, MediaSense will notify the application whether the embedded device is in or out of range. 

Q:  What are some of Windows CE. Net’s core services?
A:

1. Real-Time Collaboration and Communication (RTC/SIP): Real-time communication (RTC) enables messaging, presence, and audio (Voice over IP) between any two IP enabled devices.
2. Small Footprint: Continuing the effort to minimize the OS footprint for embedded devices, Windows CE .NET provides granular kernel componentization.
3. Enterprise-Scale Security: Network security enhancements include support for Kerberos Security Protocol, which provides a mechanism for mutual authentication between entities before a secure network connection is established, and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to allow a Web server and Web clients to communicate securely using encryption.
4. Wide Selection of CPUs: Windows CE .NET provides support for the following four families of microprocessors and emulation technologies:

• ARMS
• MIPS
• X86

Q:  What .NET technologies does Windows CE .NET include?
A:  Windows CE .NET enables you to build smart Microsoft .NET–enabled devices and create rich, personalized experiences that span devices, computers, servers, and Web services. Features that support enhanced user experiences include:

• XML
• NET Compact Framework
• Microsoft Direct3D® API
• Windows Media 8 Codecs and Controls

Detailed information on the .NET technologies included can be found at this link.

Q:  How can I develop apps for Windows CE .NET?
A:  To write applications for Windows CE .NET, Microsoft offers a rich set of languages for creating managed (.NET) or unmanaged (native) applications. For managed code, use Visual Studio .NET and for native code use eMbedded Visual C++ 4.0.

Q:  Where can I get an emulator for Windows CE .NET?
A:  A downloadable emulator that works on Windows 2000 or XP is available here.

Q:  Where can I get information about previous versions of Windows CE?
A:  http://www.microsoft.com/windows/embedded/ce.net/previous/default.asp

Q:  What are the system requirements of Windows CE .Net and System Builder 4?
A: 

• 266 MHz Pentium II processor or higher; 500 MHz recommended

• 1.7 GB of available hard-disk space for a typical single microprocessor installation or 14 GB for installation of the entire product, including the Platform Builder toolset

• 128 MB of RAM; 192 MB of RAM required to run Emulator

• Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional with Service Pack 2 or Windows XP Professional

Q:  How small is Windows CE .NET?
A:  Windows CE .NET can perform core functions with only a 200 KB footprint.

Q:  Where can I find a video of Bill Gates introducing Windows CE .NET?
A:  Here’s a link to the official Bill Gates Introduction of Windows CE .NET. 

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