Games - Windows CE

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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, ARM, and Hitachi SuperH processors.

Features

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"; users often disparagingly called it "Wince." Microsoft says it implies a number of Windows CE design precepts, including "Compact, Connectable, Compatible, and Companion," but basically they pulled the name out of thin air. The first version, known during development under the codename "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 documentation — a component-based, embedded, real-time operating system. It is no longer only targeted at hand-held computers. Many platforms have been based on the core Windows CE operating system, including Microsoft's AutoPC, Handheld PC, Pocket PC, Pocket PC 2002, Pocket PC 2003, Pocket PC 2003 SE, Smartphone 2002, Smartphone 2003, Windows Mobile 5.0, and many industrial devices and embedded systems. Versions of Windows CE even powered select games for the Sega Dreamcast.

A distinctive feature of Windows CE vis-a-vis other Microsoft operating systems 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. The procedure used to build operating system images with Platform Builder is often critized as being overly complex and fragile, with poor or incorrect supporting documentation.

Relation to Windows Mobile, Pocket PC, and SmartPhone

Often Windows CE, Windows Mobile, and Pocket PC are used interchangeably. This practice is not entirely accurate. Windows CE 3.0 is a modular operating system that serves as the foundation of several classes of devices. Some of these modules provide subsets of other components' features (e.g. varying levels of windowing support; DCOM vs COM), others which are mutually exclusive (Bitmap or TrueType font support), and others which add additional features to another component. One 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 Word Mobile/Pocket Word are not part of this kit.

Windows Mobile is best described as a subset of platforms based on Windows CE underpinning. Currently, Pocket PC (now called Windows Mobile), SmartPhone, and Portable Media Center are the three main platforms under the Windows Mobile Umbrella. Each platform utilizes different components of Windows CE, as well as supplemental features and applications suited for their respective devices.

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Windows CE ]

Games - Windows CE

Features

Relation to Windows Mobile, Pocket PC, and SmartPhone

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