Windows CE is the modular real-time embedded operating system
from Microsoft. It is a scaled-down, multitasking, multithreading
look-alike of the popular Windows Operating System
designed for 32-bit devices or information appliances.
However, it does not require an Intel x86 family microprocessor.
Several manufacturers, including Compaq, are currently
marketing products using this operating system. Although it
looks similar to Windows, it does not necessarily run all
Windows applications without modifications. When applications
are run on devices other than PCs, some Windows applications
will not run at all but this does not mean that it does
not serve as a useful tool.
The most important thing to remember about WinCE is
that the interfaces run a shell that is very similar to the standard
Windows shell, with the same windowing look-and-feel
and a taskbar at the bottom that can be used to launch and
control applications. Unlike PDAs (like Palm), where a new
interface must be learned, WinCE has a familiar “look and
feel.” One major criticism, however, haunts WinCE—the large
amount of memory required.