Microsoft Windows Ce example essay topic

1,162 words
Windows CE is one of many Microsoft Windows operating systems. Although Microsoft does not explain the "CE", it is reported to have originally stood for "Consumer Electronics", also "Compact Edition". Occasionally one will hear the term "Pocket PC" used instead of Win CE. Some even think that these two names refer to two different operating systems.

In fact, Pocket PC is the name for a mobile device class using a customized version of Microsoft Windows CE as its underlying operating system. Operation is similar, and both use the same synchronization software, so they can be supported with the same technical resources and staff training. Someone who wanted the smaller size and functionality of a palm-sized device can do so with a Pocket PC. Fundamentally, Win CE is an embedded 32-bit multitasking, multithreading operating system designed for mobile, and other space-constrained devices.

It works on 12 different processor architectures and on over 180 different CPUs and is used in a broad range of devices including a variety of industrial and consumer products, such as cameras, telephones, set-top boxes, Internet-access devices, just to mention a few. Win CE is also offered as the operating system for the Auto PC, Microsoft's concept of controlling applications (such as selecting radio channels) while driving, using interactive speech technology. Windows XP In the latter half of 2001, Microsoft introduced its newest operating system, Windows XP. The "XP" is for experience, which is what MS was seeking to provide. Microsoft wanted to provide a new, improved, greater, and more pleasurable experience for the computer user. Windows XP is specifically for the Personal Computer user, and has two versions, Home for the single computer user, and Professional for the business, or multiple computer users.

Professional is more suited to the college student also, because it readily will access Windows 2000 that is mostly used in large network servers. LINUX Microsoft Windows CE customized for the Pocket PC provides following features: 1 Calendar: seamless synchronisation with Microsoft Outlook calendar. 2 Contacts: possibility to keep track of addresses, phone numbers, and other vital information. 3 Expansion: provisioning of an industry-standard expansion slot. 4 Notes: the Natural Handwriting Recognition feature lets the user write noted the way he always does, and audio notes are also supported. 5 Pocket Inbox: synchronisation with the Outlook Inbox and support of all email formats.

6 Pocket Internet Explorer: the gateway to the Internet, without limitation to "Web clippings". 7 Pocket Word and Excel: Built-in support for Pocket Word and Excel means the user can open and view his email attachments, and it also means he can his essential documents with him on the road. 8 Reader: Possibility to download favourite books and to read them on the Pocket PC, it also supports audio content. 9 Tasks: Complete task management functionality including definition of new tasks and editing of existing tasks as well as alerting and synchronisation functionality. 10 Windows Media Player: Built in support for digital music and due to multitasking capability the user can listen and work on his device at the same time. 11 Instant on - makes it easy to use in meeting or anywhere there is time, without waiting for "Boot up".

12 Long Battery Life - Typically 5-10 hours, much better than a laptop's 2-2 1/2 hours, easily making it through a coast-to coast plane trip. 13 Size - They are small & light enough to fit in a bag or briefcase, or fit on an airplane seat back tray. 14 Built-in hardware - keyboard, touch screen, microphone & speaker, modem, video port, and infrared printing. ( modem is included on handheld, extra on Pocket PC's. video port on Handheld PC only) 15 Software - "Pocket Office" includes mini versions of Word, Excel, Outlook (E-mail, contacts, to-do), The Handhelds also contain Pocket PowerPoint and Pocket Access database. Also included a web browser, FAX, and voice recorder.

16 Synchronization & Compatibility -"Pocket Office" documents allow most used functions and can be synchronized between the handheld and desktop computer. They sync and are automatically converted to full Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents every time you plug it in. 17 Corporate Time Outlook Connector - It's possible to synchronize the University Corporate Time calendar to the Windows CE devices using software called "Outlook Connector". Microsoft Windows CE includes the following features: 1 Improved real-time support with reduced interrupt latencies, 256 priority levels, nested interrupt support and virtual memory protection.

2 Distributed COM (DCOM) support for integrating Windows CE-based devices into distributed computing networks. 3 ActiveX (R) Data Objects (ADO) to access remote databases and manipulate data locally. 4 Extensible Mark-up Language (XML) support. 5 Internet Connection Sharing (ICS), which enables a Windows CE based device to share its Internet connection with one or more devices connected on the same network. 6 Integrated HTTP server to serve data from a Windows CE-based device that supports scriptable and interactive Web pages. 7 Support for new communications and networking technologies, such as full Domain Name System (DNS) and Windows Internet Name Service (WINS) namespace resolution, Telephony API (TAPI) 2.1, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) vs. 2.8 Expanded driver support and board support packages (BSP).

9 The flexible building of customised versions of Microsoft Windows CE is sustained with a highly modular architecture allowing for the configuration of an operating system with a minimal memory footprint and a comprehensive development environment including an integrated development and testing tool, Platform Builder 3.0, the common tools of Microsoft eMbedded Visual Tools. Windows XP includes the following features: 1 Personalized Welcome Screen - Personalized to allow you to share the same computer with your friends and family. 2 Fast User Switching - Provides the ability to share a single computer without having to close each other's applications each time you need to access your own account. 3 Desktop Clean Up Wizard - Periodically checks your desktop and gives you the opportunity to move your unused shortcuts.

4 Remote Assistance - Through an Internet connection, your assistant can chat, observe your working screen, and, remotely control your computer. 5 Home Networking - Allows the novice user to setup a robust home network including firewalls and connection sharing. 6 Remote Desktop - allows access from any other Windows-based computer. 7 Domain Management - allows the user to join, and be managed by a Windows domain.

8 Encrypting File System (EFS) - allows encryption of files and folders and restricts access to selected files, applications, and other resources. 9 Back- up - robust options for backing up and restoring data. 10 Additional Features: o Advanced networking for multiple PC environments o Internet Information Services (IIS) o Support for multiple-processor systems o Support for multiple languages.