FAQ on Windows CE and Pocket PC

1) What is embedded computing?

Typically, embedded computing refers to any computer system or computing device that performs a dedicated function or is designed for use with a specific embedded software application. These are systems that the end user typically cannot modify. What is distinct about an embedded operating system? Embedded operating systems are usually highly customized for a specific task or function. They may be optimized for specialized hardware or a specific application. Since the configuration can be "locked down" and therefore rigorously tested, manufacturers of these systems can control costs and deliver highly reliable devices optimized for specialized tasks.

2) What is the difference between Windows, Windows XP, Windows XP Embedded, and Windows Embedded?

The term Windows includes a broad range of Microsoft technologies and products and is often used to refer to the desktop operating system. Windows XP is the latest desktop operating-system software and is available in multiple versions for business and home users. The term Windows Embedded refers to the Microsoft family of embedded operating systems for smart, connected, and small- or reduced-footprint devices. The Windows Embedded family includes a range of products all based on the Windows Embedded CE and Windows XP Embedded platforms. Windows XP Embedded is a specialized operating system, consisting of componentized Windows XP Professional features and an end-to-end set of development tools, for use in non-personal computer (non-desktop) devices. Windows XP Embedded is typically used by embedded developers, system integrators, and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

3) What is Windows Embedded for Point of Service?

In October 2004, Microsoft announced the development of a standard, retail-optimized operating system platform designed for retail point-of-service systems—Windows Embedded for Point of Service. Based on the technologies available in Windows XP Embedded with Service Pack 2, Windows Embedded for Point of Service enables the Microsoft Smarter Retail Initiative and is an easy-to-use point-of-service platform optimized for the retail industry.

4) What is Windows Automotive?

Windows Automotive is based on the Windows Embedded CE real-time embedded operating system. While it shares the rich platform and services of Windows Embedded CE, Windows Automotive enables features such as voice recognition technology, automotive power management, and other automotive-specific options. More FAQs are available on Microsoft's Website.

Difference between Windows CE and Pocket PC/ Mobile

Windows CE is a collection of operating system components, which is available to developers and device manufacturers to create customized embedded devices. Device manufacturers (which includes Microsoft too) can use Windows CE .NET to build both a customized OS and applications for a variety of devices requiring a small-footprint. Microsoft built Windows Mobile software for the Pocket PC on Windows CE by adding new functionality, user interface, and applications to create an optimized mobile computing platform for handheld devices. Other companies can built another Windows Mobile type operating system using Windows CE too. In Windows Mobile, Microsoft has added Mobile version of its Office Applications (Word, Excel etc.) and many other features on top of Windows CE. Platform Builder is the integrated development environment for building, debugging, and deploying a customized embedded OS based on Windows CE . For detail information on comparison between Windows CE and Windows Mobile, refer Comparison Document on Microsoft's Website.

Handheld RFID Readers - Wireless Security Issue

The standards for cryptography of data over wi-fi network are:

1. WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy): WEP is part of the IEEE 802.11 standard released in September 1999. Several serious weaknesses were identified by cryptanalysts. And, it is a fact that any WEP key can be cracked with software readily available over internet in few minutes.
2. WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) WEP was superseded by Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) in 2003, and then by the full IEEE 802.11i standard (also known as WPA2) in 2004.
3. LEAP (Cisco Wireless EAP) Meanwhile, Cisco developed LEAP (Lightweight Extensible Authentication Protocol) based on EAP type specified by IEEE 802.1X to provide Wi-Fi security. LEAP is a proprietary system that doesn't fit on a network open to a variety of devices, from standard PC laptops to Macs and handheld devices.

Enterprise wireless network implements WPA or EAP based security solution. Handheld RFID reader uses WLAN to connect to the Access Point and routes the tag-events. The data can be sent over tcp/ip or http. To connect to a wirless Access Point, the handheld RFID reader must support the implemented wireless security protocol.

Based on my research last week, it seems there is no handheld RFID reader currently available in the market which supports LEAP protocol. The industry leaders, such as Symbol, are working on to provide support to the LEAP and WPA protocols. This is a serious limitation in deploying RFID solution using handheld readers in a secured wireless network.