Embedded Operating Systems Selection Guide

4
Windows CE operating system
Windows CE is a real-time operating system specifically designed by Microsoft for the embedded device
marketplace. This operating system features a real-time kernel, networking, multimedia, and Internet
browsing using a custom user interface. Since the operating system was designed to be embedded, the
kernel will fit in a smaller footprint than the XPe operating system. The following table lists strengths and
weaknesses of the Windows CE operating system:
Multimedia capable
Remote management
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Image is locked down
Windows Firewall support
.NET Messenger
Support for Symantec Embedded Security (formerly
known as Sygate Security Agent)
Windows CE Operating System
Strengths Weaknesses
Kiosk mode - locked down Limited peripheral device support
Small memory requirement Limited printer support
Multimedia capable Limited Win32-based applications support
Remote management Web sites mis-identify Internet Explorer as mobile Internet Explorer
Import/exporting registry settings
Microsoft Internet Explorer
Connection administrator application
Windows XPe Operating System
Strengths Weaknesses