Terminology in Windows Embedded CE (Windows Embedded CE 6.0)
1/6/2010
Some of the terminology in Windows Embedded CE 6.0 differs from terminology in previous versions of Windows Embedded CE.
The following list provides definitions for terms that are new and widely used in CE 6.0:
- Catalog item
Any item that you can select from the Catalog.
- design template
A pre-defined selection of operating system (OS) components that Microsoft provides for a category of target devices. A design template is a starting point. When saved or modified, the design template becomes an OS design.
- OS design
A selection of Catalog items that defines the characteristics of an OS. You can begin an OS design with or without a design template. An OS design corresponds to a set of Sysgen variables.
- run-time image
Software to deploy on a target device, or the same software running on a target device. A run-time image contains the OS and associated software.
The following list provides definitions for other terms that are widely used in CE 6.0:
- board support package (BSP)
Software that is specific to a hardware board. This software typically includes the boot loader, OEM adaptation layer (OAL), and board-specific device drivers.
- Catalog
A container of individually selectable units of Windows Embedded CE functionality.
- component
The smallest unit of functionality that you can add to an OS design.
- configuration
A selection of Catalog items and a selection of build options.
- hardware platform
A hardware architecture for running a Windows Embedded CE OS and associated software.
- module
An EXE or a DLL that is a part of a Windows Embedded CE OS.
- subproject
A tracking mechanism for a collection of files that you can use to build functionality into a Windows Embedded CE OS.
- target device, Windows Embedded CE–based device
An instance of a hardware architecture or an instance of a combined hardware and software architecture.
- project
A container for all files related to an OS design.
The following list provides definitions for terms that are sparingly used in CE 6.0:
- feature
A comprehensive technology that Microsoft presents as a single entity.
- platform
A hardware and software architecture, on a target device, that results from downloading a run-time image to the target device.
The following list shows terms that are not used in CE 6.0 but that were used in earlier versions of Windows Embedded CE:
- anchored feature, unanchored feature
Platform Builder for CE 6.0 uses the term user-specified Catalog items to refer to Catalog items that you select and Catalog items that are selected by a design template.
- build release directory
CE 6.0 uses the term release directory. Previous releases of Windows Embedded CE use the terms build release directory and release directory synonymously.
- custom configuration, platform configuration
Platform Builder for CE 6.0 uses the term OS design to refer to a selection of Catalog items, and uses the term configuration to refer to a selection of Catalog items and build options.
- development platform
CE 6.0 uses the term hardware platform to refer to a hardware architecture, and uses the term target device to refer to an instance of a hardware architecture.
- OS image
Platform Builder for CE 6.0 uses the term OSdesign to refer to a selection of Catalog items, and uses the term run-time image to refer to software to deploy or software already deployed on a target device.
- workspace
Platform Builder for CE 6.0 uses the term project to refer to a container for all files related to an OS design.
See Also
Concepts
Welcome to Windows Embedded CE 6.0