Thread: Operating system Windows XP

Windows XP Embedded is a component version of the Windows operating system, which is often associated with consumer electronic devices, such as television stations or mobile devices. But Windows XP Embedded can also take place in the information technology structure of your organization. While this may not be optimal solution for each of your users, there are some special situations in which the system offers a reduction of administrative costs, potentially cheaper and compact equipment, and improved security.

What is the Windows XP Embedded?
Windows ® XP Embedded is one of the three compact versions of the Windows operating system, along with Windows Embedded CE and Windows Embedded for Point of Service. Among embedded versions of Windows operating only Windows XP Embedded provides a complete set of functions (or, at least, the basis for the complete set of functions) for the client PC operating under the administration of Windows XP Professional. It is based on Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 2 (SP2), but Windows XP Embedded is different from the standard Windows XP operating system extremely high level of modularity of its structure. U Windows XP Embedded not what might be called the standard installation. Instead, the set of tools called Windows Embedded Studio is used to create a customized environment specially Windows XP Embedded for creating any device, and in this environment, only the necessary functionality of the device.

In many cases, representatives of the call centre requires one or two internal applications development and possibly the Internet browser. They use only a small portion of their computer capabilities, and Windows XP Embedded effectively eliminates excess capacity. The lower set of functional capabilities means narrowing the field, prone to mistakes, and the opportunities for attacks on the security system.

Distinctive dignity Windows XP Embedded
The operating system Windows XP Embedded offers very valuable features not available in the full version of Windows XP. Enhanced Write Filter (EWF), and Hibernate Once, Resume Many (HORM) - both of these funds can simplify the tasks of managing Windows. EWF is an additional component added to the deployment of Windows XP Embedded, which makes the volume of available disk read-only. Any write to that drive diverted for the imposition located on another disk or even stored in memory. Same operating system is considering the imposition of EWF and its parent how a single device that is as a normal disk volume. Nevertheless, virtually parental vols real changes are not implemented, the changes shall be subject only to the imposition of EWF. This may be an advantage in a few cases.

The same configuration can be used for image based on a CD-ROM or DVD drive, because the original holders of these types are read-only, EWF making any transaction record in the overlay. Even if the overlay is stored on a small internal hard drive, is a guarantee that the original boot volume (on a CD-ROM or DVD drive), has never been subjected to change if there is a need to restart the computer to get the initial configuration, it is enough to erase the imposing EWF.

Creating the image of Windows XP Embedded
There exists Microsoft Embedded Partner program, which brings together companies specializing in work with Windows XP Embedded (for a list of the companies represented on the home page Windows XP Embedded at microsoft.com / embedded). However, despite many companies providing conventional PC manufacturers pre-generated images (including corporate applications, and special configuration), you may want to create their own images of Windows XP Embedded, which subsequently can be used in conjunction with Embedded Partner program participants, providing you completed compact system . Set Windows Embedded Studio, which is installed in the operating system Windows XP Professional can be used to create images of Windows XP Embedded and management.



To use this set of tools should first establish the full version of Windows XP Pro on the equipment to be used for the system Windows XP Embedded. This helps to make full use of the procedure for setting up Windows XP in order to achieve the proper operation of all equipment. Then, a set of tools installed Windows Embedded Studio. Usually at this establishes a database used to manage embedded images, but in fact, the database can be installed in a different location that accommodates a central repository. Then run a service program with command line interface, Tap.exe, creating new special component that can be used by the operating system Windows XP Embedded. Usually components encapsulate sets of functional capabilities such as multimedia player, file system or other custom applications, in which case the component is created containing drivers for the equipment needed your particular system. This phase must be executed on the target hardware that has been able to find a means to include the drivers and equipment.

Constructor 2 components
Now you can begin to build a new trust funds configuration using Windows XP Embedded Target Designer, which runs through much of the real work. As can be seen from Fig. 1, added any components necessary to create a set of functions required by the device. One would also have to add some of the major components of Windows, such as Windows Explorer (if the device requires graphic shell), file system, NTFS (or FAT32), NT loader, support for the language, core user interface, and so on. The default is available for more than ten thousand components.

Setting Preferences
Same intricate part of the image of Windows XP Embedded are dependencies. For example, it is impossible to add a component to the way DirectX without adding several components that provide a basic introduction to Windows graphics processing. Tracks all dependencies can be a very complex task, especially for large and complex images, which may have literally thousands of dependencies.

This task is assigned to the database components. Merely by pressing F5 funds in Target Designer performed testing of all the components added to the automatic addition of all dependencies required components listed. Fig. 4 shows the process of verification, it is this very important step will ensure that a high degree of modularity operating system Windows XP Embedded. In the absence of the intellectual tools built into Target Designer, it would be extremely difficult to implement the successful creation of images containing the correct dependency.

Check addictions
After adding all the components and their dependencies can create the image of Windows XP Embedded. Images are merely files to be copied to the boot volume Windows XP Embedded devices. For their deployment does not require any special tools (although the toolkit includes Windows XP Embedded remote server initial boot, whose functions are similar to a remote installation services, it allows you to do a deployment of Windows XP Embedded images in a completely new hardware).

However, the operating system Windows XP Embedded offers not every single component, a part of the full version of Windows XP. For example, the protection of Windows file (WFP - Windows File Protection) is not part of the Windows XP Embedded; does not include in its composition and some of the convenience of components, such as Getting Started with Windows XP, and the initial screens greeting wizard to help beginner user to customize the computer, or Windows installation program. In Windows XP Embedded is not used activation of Windows (Windows XP Embedded images are enabled through key product implementation phase when working tools Windows Embedded Studio). The most remarkable fact that Windows XP Embedded is not using Windows update mechanism, it may be used to set up a server environment services software updates Microsoft. Finally, Windows XP Embedded no MSN ® Explorer, which is included in the Windows XP Pro.

Work with embedded systems
Creation of embedded systems may require some more time than a traditional system, Windows XP, but they offer significant advantages in certain situations. With an abbreviated set of functional capabilities, the system supports Windows XP Embedded small, low equipment, which is easier to follow, which is easier to fix, and that can significantly lower cost. Low power consumption also helps reduce the utility bills and lower heat generation, allowing the flexibility to organize compact workspace. In addition to the anticipated application of the operating system, Windows XP Embedded - household appliances, medical equipment, kiosks and other locations that are difficult suspected of using Windows XP Embedded - embedded operating system that can find its place in your organization.