Menu
From Microsoft:
What is Windows CE?
Hardware platforms
Windows CE is designed to run on a variety of devices. These devices may include PDA devices (electronic organizers), palm top computers, and other devices, such as specific types of telephones and stereos.
PDA devices
Of the various Windows CE devices, PDAs may be the most popular. PDA devices have only a few buttons and no keyboard. This lack of buttons makes them more durable and easier to use than traditional computers. Typically, a user interacts with a PDA with an ink pen-like device called a stylus. The stylus allows the user to select options from the touch screen in a manner similar to that of using a mouse. If text input is required, a user can access an on-screen keyboard and select the keys with the stylus.
PDA devices are intended for users who don't require all of the power that a desktop or laptop computer has. PDA devices are little more than electronic calendars that have the ability to send and receive e-mail and browse the Web in text mode. PDAs also contain task managers and contact lists. PDA devices enable you to exchange data, such as contact lists, dates, and tasks, with your computer by using a docking cradle that’s usually included with the device.
Palmtop devices
Palmtops typically come pre-loaded with more software than PDAs do. For example, the Jornada comes preloaded with pocket versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access. These programs contain most of the popular features of Microsoft Office and are capable of working with Office 2000 documents. Another difference between the software on the two devices is that the palmtop comes with a full-featured Web browser that allows you to view graphics instead of just text.
From a hardware perspective, the differences are obvious. The palmtop contains a keyboard, while the PDA doesn't. (You'll still use a stylus for mouse control, though.) Second, the palmtop contains a high-resolution color screen. Most PDAs use a monochrome screen, though Compaq does make a color model. Finally, there are differences in expandability. The palmtop enables you to attach a VGA monitor through the use of an expansion card. You also can use an NE2000 compatible network card to attach to your network. Palmtops usually have more memory than PDAs, which is to be expected, given the difference in purpose of the two machines. The Jornada contains 32 MB of RAM. It’s not uncommon to find PDAs with 8 MB of memory, and some high-end PDAs contain up to 24 MB of memory.
Both types of machines contain standard features. Sound support and touch screens are common features of PDAs and palmtops. From a connectivity standpoint, the machines are very similar. Both contain an integrated analog modem and support connections to a desktop PC via a docking cradle or wireless infrared link. An important difference is that the palmtop not only allows you to use a network card (the PDA doesn't), but its infrared port is also more powerful. You can download programs from the Internet that allow you to use your palmtop to control various remote control devices, such as TVs and stereos, via the device's infrared port.
Of course, the difference in purpose and power means a difference in price. While PDA style devices typically cost between $200 and $400, palmtops can cost anywhere from $650 to $1000.
Imbedded devices
Other types of devices also use the Windows CE operating system. For example, Clarion and Microsoft have created a car stereo called the AutoPC. Although this stereo doesn't use the familiar Windows 95 interface, it's very powerful. The voice-controlled stereo can perform such tasks as reading your e-mail to you while you’re driving, dialing your cellular phone, and providing you with directions to your destination.
At the fall 1999 COMDEX in Las Vegas, other companies demonstrated new Windows CE devices, including telephones with organizers and Web browsers built in.
Windows CE basics
With the exception of the integrated devices that we’ve discussed, the Windows CE operating system is basically the same for any device. Therefore, it makes sense to spend a few minutes discussing the operating system itself.
On other machines, you simply turn the machine off without having to perform a shutdown because the devices that run Windows CE are different from other types of computers. On a desktop or laptop computer, if you turn the computer off without performing a shutdown, you risk corrupting the information on the hard disk. Windows CE devices don’t have hard disks because they store everything in RAM. A small battery ensures that all information is saved, even when the main power source is cut off. Windows CE allows you to control how the RAM is used by enabling you to set how much RAM is used for program and data storage and how much is set aside for the applications and the operating system.
As you'd expect with any other version of Windows, Windows CE also contains a Control Panel. The Windows CE Control Panel contains a wide variety of icons, but it isn't as extensive as the Control Panel found on Windows 9x or Windows NT. You can use the Windows CE Control Panel to control settings, such as communications settings, owner information, regional settings, sounds, and the way that the system uses its memory. You also can use Control Panel to add and remove programs, calibrate the stylus, and set backup options.
The fact that you can add and remove programs may lead you to the assumption that Windows CE can run any Windows program. However, it isn't the case. Windows CE is designed to run on a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) system. RISC systems can't run the same programs that a standard PC does. However, there are plenty of programs written for Windows CE that you can download from the Internet. You also can recompile specific programs to work under Windows CE. Data files work fine with Windows CE; however some data files, such as Microsoft Office documents, BMP files, and WAV files, go through an automatic translation when they are sent to the Windows CE device.
Although Windows CE is designed to run on RISC-based systems, its functionality isn’t very different from other Windows platforms. Windows CE contains a Registry, just like Windows 9x and Windows NT. You can download a Registry editor from the Internet that will enable you to view and modify the Windows CE Registry. We'll be publishing a Daily Drill Down about the Windows CE Registry in the future.
- Windows Ce 5.0 Programs
- Windows Ce Applications
- Windows Ce 6.0 Programs
- Windows Ce Programmatically Create Start Menu
- Windows Ce 6.0 Applications Download
- Windows Embedded Ce 6.0 Programs
- Windows Ce Startup Programs
Windows CE even powered select games for the Dreamcast, was the operating system of the Gizmondo handheld, and can partially run on modified Xbox game consoles. A distinctive feature of Windows CE compared to other Microsoft operating systems is that large parts of it are offered in source code form. Aug 27, 2004 The Device Emulator contains the emulator technologies featured in Windows CE 5.0. By using the Device Emulator, you can run emulated-based images created by Windows CE 5.0 without installing Platform Builder, its development tools. HOW TO USE: Click Start All Programs Microsoft Windows CE 5.0 Device Emulator.
Attention! After you download you must request your product activation key here.
This download is a plug-in for Visual Studio 2005 (except Express), if you don't have Visual Studio 2005, you can also download an evaluation copy of Visual Studio 2005 professional from Microsoft download center.
- After 180 days you must uninstall the product, license the full product version of Windows Embedded CE 6.0, rerun setup, and follow the instructions. Projects started with the evaluation version.
- The purpose of the SynCE project is to provide a means of communication with a Windows CE or Pocket PC device from a computer running Linux,.BSD or other unices.
Users who purchase their Windows CE 2.00. In order to use this CD ISO you must have a Windows CE 2. Windows CE 5.0 is the most open Microsoft operating system to date, though not all of the system is available under shared source agreements. Free emulator windows ce 6.0 download. Windows Embedded CE Free to try This toolkit gives you powerful tools for building a broad range of devices that need a componentized, real-time operating system.
This Windows�?�® Embedded CE 6.0 180 day evaluation toolkit gives you powerful tools for building a broad range of small foot print devices that need a componentized, real-time operating system.
Windows Embedded CE 6.0 helps device makers be successful and provides developers with a complete portfolio of tested, selectable OS components. In addition CE 6.0 provides source code access and compatibility with several processor architectures.
Customers who already have projects using previous versions of the OS will be excited to know that this 6th generation of CE features a re-designed kernel.
This re-design enables running a larger number of more complex applications and helps provide a richer end user experience. The CE 6.0 kernel supports over 32,000 simultaneous processes each with 2GB of virtual memory space. Other CE 6.0 improvements include a new file system that supports bigger storage media, larger file sizes and removable media encryption, plus much more!
Avira antivirus pro license file. CE 6.0 enables new device scenarios for the home, work and the field that can easily consume media, share presentations, and connect to cellular networks.
Developers can customize and build a broad range of small foot print devices with real-time capabilities using Platform Builder, a powerful embedded-specific tool, that works as a plug-in within the familiar development environment of Microsoft�?�® Visual Studio�?�® 2005.
This free, downloadable version of the Evaluation Edition allows you to easily access the tools and board support package applicable to your device design so you can begin evaluating Windows Embedded CE 6.0 today.
load times may vary based on the connection speed and the number of components selected.
Functionality: This CE 6.0 Evaluation Toolkit includes the full functionality of the product, designed to run for 180 days. After 180 days you must uninstall the product, license the full product version of Windows Embedded CE 6.0, rerun setup, and follow the instructions. Projects started with the evaluation version can be ported to the full product version.
Upgrade to the full version: For information about licensing or pricing of Windows Embedded CE 6.0 toolkit and runtimes, please consult with a Microsoft Windows Embedded Authorized Distributor. Visit http://microsoft.com/embedded/howtobuy.
What do you need to know about free software?
Explore Further
From Microsoft:Attention! After you download you must request your product activation key here.
This download is a plug-in for Visual Studio 2005 (except Express), if you don't have Visual Studio 2005, you can also download an evaluation copy of Visual Studio 2005 professional from Microsoft download center.
This Windows�?�® Embedded CE 6.0 180 day evaluation toolkit gives you powerful tools for building a broad range of small foot print devices that need a componentized, real-time operating system.
Windows Embedded CE 6.0 helps device makers be successful and provides developers with a complete portfolio of tested, selectable OS components. In addition CE 6.0 provides source code access and compatibility with several processor architectures.
Customers who already have projects using previous versions of the OS will be excited to know that this 6th generation of CE features a re-designed kernel.
This re-design enables running a larger number of more complex applications and helps provide a richer end user experience. The CE 6.0 kernel supports over 32,000 simultaneous processes each with 2GB of virtual memory space. Other CE 6.0 improvements include a new file system that supports bigger storage media, larger file sizes and removable media encryption, plus much more!
CE 6.0 enables new device scenarios for the home, work and the field that can easily consume media, share presentations, and connect to cellular networks.
Developers can customize and build a broad range of small foot print devices with real-time capabilities using Platform Builder, a powerful embedded-specific tool, that works as a plug-in within the familiar development environment of Microsoft�?�® Visual Studio�?�® 2005.
This free, downloadable version of the Evaluation Edition allows you to easily access the tools and board support package applicable to your device design so you can begin evaluating Windows Embedded CE 6.0 today.
Windows Ce 5.0 Programs
load times may vary based on the connection speed and the number of components selected.
Functionality: This CE 6.0 Evaluation Toolkit includes the full functionality of the product, designed to run for 180 days. After 180 days you must uninstall the product, license the full product version of Windows Embedded CE 6.0, rerun setup, and follow the instructions. Projects started with the evaluation version can be ported to the full product version.
Upgrade to the full version: For information about licensing or pricing of Windows Embedded CE 6.0 toolkit and runtimes, please consult with a Microsoft Windows Embedded Authorized Distributor. Visit http://microsoft.com/embedded/howtobuy.
With Windows CE devices steadily becoming smaller and more powerful, it's no wonder that Windows CE is increasing in popularity. If you've never used Windows CE, you might be surprised to discover that there are a variety of devices that run Windows CE and that each of these devices has its own unique purpose. In this Daily Drill Down, we'll introduce you to the Windows CE operating system. We'll explain the differences in the hardware that’s used to run Windows CE, and we’ll answer several common Windows CE questions.What is Windows CE?
Windows Ce Applications
Windows CE stands for a number of different things, depending on whom you ask. It's generally accepted that CE stands for Compact Edition. Windows CE is a full-featured Windows operating system that’s designed to run on low powered devices, such as electronic organizers. Windows CE allows these otherwise different devices to share a Windows 95-style desktop and to run a common set of applications.Hardware platforms
Windows CE is designed to run on a variety of devices. These devices may include PDA devices (electronic organizers), palm top computers, and other devices, such as specific types of telephones and stereos.
PDA devices
Of the various Windows CE devices, PDAs may be the most popular. PDA devices have only a few buttons and no keyboard. This lack of buttons makes them more durable and easier to use than traditional computers. Typically, a user interacts with a PDA with an ink pen-like device called a stylus. The stylus allows the user to select options from the touch screen in a manner similar to that of using a mouse. If text input is required, a user can access an on-screen keyboard and select the keys with the stylus.
PDA devices are intended for users who don't require all of the power that a desktop or laptop computer has. PDA devices are little more than electronic calendars that have the ability to send and receive e-mail and browse the Web in text mode. PDAs also contain task managers and contact lists. PDA devices enable you to exchange data, such as contact lists, dates, and tasks, with your computer by using a docking cradle that’s usually included with the device.
Palmtop devices
Palmtop computers, such as the Hewlett Packard Jornada, are much more similar to traditional desktop and laptop computers. Palmtops are intended for users who need the power of a computer but who don't want to carry around a laptop. Unfortunately, a palmtop won't fit in your shirt pocket the way most PDAs do, but it's still very small. The Jornada tips the scale at a whopping one pound.
Palmtops typically come pre-loaded with more software than PDAs do. For example, the Jornada comes preloaded with pocket versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access. These programs contain most of the popular features of Microsoft Office and are capable of working with Office 2000 documents. Another difference between the software on the two devices is that the palmtop comes with a full-featured Web browser that allows you to view graphics instead of just text.
From a hardware perspective, the differences are obvious. The palmtop contains a keyboard, while the PDA doesn't. (You'll still use a stylus for mouse control, though.) Second, the palmtop contains a high-resolution color screen. Most PDAs use a monochrome screen, though Compaq does make a color model. Finally, there are differences in expandability. The palmtop enables you to attach a VGA monitor through the use of an expansion card. You also can use an NE2000 compatible network card to attach to your network. Palmtops usually have more memory than PDAs, which is to be expected, given the difference in purpose of the two machines. The Jornada contains 32 MB of RAM. It’s not uncommon to find PDAs with 8 MB of memory, and some high-end PDAs contain up to 24 MB of memory.
Both types of machines contain standard features. Sound support and touch screens are common features of PDAs and palmtops. From a connectivity standpoint, the machines are very similar. Both contain an integrated analog modem and support connections to a desktop PC via a docking cradle or wireless infrared link. An important difference is that the palmtop not only allows you to use a network card (the PDA doesn't), but its infrared port is also more powerful. You can download programs from the Internet that allow you to use your palmtop to control various remote control devices, such as TVs and stereos, via the device's infrared port.
Of course, the difference in purpose and power means a difference in price. While PDA style devices typically cost between $200 and $400, palmtops can cost anywhere from $650 to $1000.
Imbedded devices
Other types of devices also use the Windows CE operating system. For example, Clarion and Microsoft have created a car stereo called the AutoPC. Although this stereo doesn't use the familiar Windows 95 interface, it's very powerful. The voice-controlled stereo can perform such tasks as reading your e-mail to you while you’re driving, dialing your cellular phone, and providing you with directions to your destination.
At the fall 1999 COMDEX in Las Vegas, other companies demonstrated new Windows CE devices, including telephones with organizers and Web browsers built in.
Windows CE basics
With the exception of the integrated devices that we’ve discussed, the Windows CE operating system is basically the same for any device. Therefore, it makes sense to spend a few minutes discussing the operating system itself.
Windows Ce 6.0 Programs
Most Windows CE devices feature the standard Windows 95 interface. You can access the Start menu by clicking the Start button with the stylus. Upon doing so, you'll see the familiar Windows menu commands, such as Programs, Favorites, Documents, Settings, Help, and Run. One command that you may not find is the Shutdown command. On some Windows CE machines, this command has been replaced with the Suspend command.On other machines, you simply turn the machine off without having to perform a shutdown because the devices that run Windows CE are different from other types of computers. On a desktop or laptop computer, if you turn the computer off without performing a shutdown, you risk corrupting the information on the hard disk. Windows CE devices don’t have hard disks because they store everything in RAM. A small battery ensures that all information is saved, even when the main power source is cut off. Windows CE allows you to control how the RAM is used by enabling you to set how much RAM is used for program and data storage and how much is set aside for the applications and the operating system.
As you'd expect with any other version of Windows, Windows CE also contains a Control Panel. The Windows CE Control Panel contains a wide variety of icons, but it isn't as extensive as the Control Panel found on Windows 9x or Windows NT. You can use the Windows CE Control Panel to control settings, such as communications settings, owner information, regional settings, sounds, and the way that the system uses its memory. You also can use Control Panel to add and remove programs, calibrate the stylus, and set backup options.
Windows Ce Programmatically Create Start Menu
The fact that you can add and remove programs may lead you to the assumption that Windows CE can run any Windows program. However, it isn't the case. Windows CE is designed to run on a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) system. RISC systems can't run the same programs that a standard PC does. However, there are plenty of programs written for Windows CE that you can download from the Internet. You also can recompile specific programs to work under Windows CE. Data files work fine with Windows CE; however some data files, such as Microsoft Office documents, BMP files, and WAV files, go through an automatic translation when they are sent to the Windows CE device.
Although Windows CE is designed to run on RISC-based systems, its functionality isn’t very different from other Windows platforms. Windows CE contains a Registry, just like Windows 9x and Windows NT. You can download a Registry editor from the Internet that will enable you to view and modify the Windows CE Registry. We'll be publishing a Daily Drill Down about the Windows CE Registry in the future.
Windows Ce 6.0 Applications Download
Windows Embedded Ce 6.0 Programs
Windows CE devices arrange directories and files in a manner that’s very similar to Windows 9x (although most of the file names are different). You can view this arrangement by browsing the device with the My Handheld PC icon. If you'd prefer to browse from the command line, you can do so by downloading an MS-DOS shell for Windows CE from the Internet.Brien M. Posey is an MCSE and works as a freelance technical writer and as a network engineer for the Department of Defense. If you’d like to contact Brien, send him an e-mail. (Because of the large volume of e-mail he receives, it's impossible for him to respond to every message. However, he does read them all.)