+++ April 2004, edition 25 +++
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I. FEATURES OF THE MONTH
II. PRODUCT AND TECHNOLOGY NEWS
a) WINDOWS CE .NET
b) WINDOWS XP EMBEDDED
III. COMMUNITY RESOURCES
a) COMMUNITY WEB SITE
b) UPCOMING CHATS
c) CHAT ARCHIVES
d) QFEs / SECURITY UPDATES (INCLUDES KNOWLEDGE BASE ARTICLES)
e) BLOG OF THE MONTH
f) THIRD-PARTY COMMUNITY
IV. DRIVER AND BSP RESOURCES - *NEW*
V. DEVELOPER EVENTS
a) MICROSOFT EVENTS
b) COMMUNITY EVENTS
VI. DEVELOPER COMMUNITY
a) NEWS
b) PUBLICATIONS
VII. WINDOWS EMBEDDED TRAINING
a) WINDOWS CE .NET TRAINING
b) WINDOWS XP EMBEDDED TRAINING
c) WINDOWS EMBEDDED PARTNER TRAINING COURSES
VIII. NEWSGROUPS
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I. FEATURES OF THE MONTH
+ LET US KNOW HOW WE’RE DOING - TAKE OUR DEVWIRE SURVEY
Please take a few minutes to complete a survey regarding your experiences using the Windows Embedded DevWire Newsletter. Your feedback is entirely voluntary, but will help Microsoft to improve the Windows Embedded products, DevWire and the Windows Embedded Community activities. https://www.windowsembeddedeval.com/community/devwire
+REAL TIME AND WINDOWS EMBEDDED PRODUCTS
See how Windows CE .NET and Windows XP Embedded use interrupt, timer, scheduling, and thread priority features to offer high-performance, real-time solutions.
http://www.msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/choose/techinsights/realtime/default.aspx
+INTRODUCING VoIP WITH WINDOWS CE 5.0
Microsoft announced its Windows CE 5.0 VoIP solution that enables partners to more efficiently develop and deploy advanced IP phones and VoIP devices. The VoIP solution newly includes features such as multiparty audio conferencing, Exchange Server integration, and Automatic Provisioning. To learn more about the new VoIP solution check out the VoIP video at: http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/devplat/voip/default.aspx
+WIN $25,000 AND APPLICATION DISTRIBUTION
Enter Your Windows Mobile Applications in the Mobile2Market Application Contest. Submit your best “work” or “play” applications for Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs and Smartphones to the Mobile2Market Application Contest for a chance to win one of four grand prizes for US $25,000, application distribution and featured promotions. The first 150 to submit applications before May 30, 2004 receive free logo-testing – a US $500 value. Final deadline is June 30, 2004. Get started now and enter at:
www.mobile2market.com/contest/index.asp?s=NLMST
+MSJVM SUPPORT ENDS SEPTEMBER 30, 2004
Support for the Microsoft Java Virtual Machine (MSJVM) ends September 30, 2004. After this date, no updates will be available for the MSJVM. To learn more about the MSJVM and available tools to help identify and analyze your applications for MSJVM dependencies visit http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/java/
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II. PRODUCT & TECH NEWS
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a) WINDOWS CE. NET
+NOW AVAILABLE! MICROSOFT® WINDOWS® CE 5.0 TECHNOLOGY PREVIEW
We are excited to offer a preview of the next major version of Windows® CE (previously code-named Macallan) to platform developers. This release focuses on reducing device manufacturer development efforts through:
-Development environment enhancements, which increase developer productivity
-Built-in, extensive driver support, which enables out-of-the-box interoperability with multiple hardware platforms
-Integrated innovation through advanced multimedia capabilities, including Direct 3D Mobile, which enable graphically intensive and rich media experiences for end users
-Incorporated Windows Error Reporting, which allows you to simply and transparently identify operating system and application-level vulnerabilities after device deployment
-Automated testing scenarios, which test the stability and reliability of the operating system image and applications in a single toolkit.
Download the Technology Preview today! http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/techpreview
b) WINDOWS XP EMBEDDED
+WINDOWS XP EMBEDDED AND CCEVS CERTIFICATION
Windows® XP Embedded joins Windows XP Professional and Windows Server 2003 in being evaluated for Common Criteria Evaluation and Validation Scheme (CCEVS) certification. Windows 2000 was the first Microsoft desktop and server product submitted by the Microsoft Corporation for CCEVS certification, and it was recently awarded Evaluation Assurance Level 4 (EAL4) certification, for a PC distributed operating system. The CCEVS program is designed to establish third-party independent evaluation of security functional and assurance requirements amongst high-performance information and software technologies. You can read more about CCEVS on their Web site http://niap.nist.gov/cc-scheme/defining-ccevs.html. You can also visit the Common Criteria Products in Evaluation site http://niap.nist.gov/cc-scheme/in_evaluation.html and click the W in the page navigation to find the Windows products.
+ADVANCED CONFIGURATION OF INTERNET CONNECTION FIREWALL IN WINDOWS XP EMBEDDED WITH SERVICE PACK 1 IMAGES by Neil Marlowe
+This technical article is a continuation of the Enable Internet Connection Firewall in Windows XP Embedded with Service Pack 1 Images technical article. The first article discussed how to enable Internet Connection Firewall (ICF). This article discusses how to configure and enable ports to allow services running on the device to receive unsolicited requests. If the appropriate port mappings are not configured and enabled for each service, ICF drops the unsolicited network traffic.
http://msdnprod/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dnxpesp1/html/icf_advACI.asp
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III. COMMUNITY RESOURCES
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a) WINDOWS EMBEDDED COMMUNITY WEB SITE
Plug into resources, information and events driven and provided by developers just like you, plus take an opportunity to share your own expertise through any of multiple forums.
Visit the Windows Embedded Community: http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/community/default.aspx
b) UPCOMING CHATS AND WEBCASTS
+FEATURED CHAT: Windows Embedded April 22, 2004 8:30 - 9:30 P.M. PST 11:30 P.M. - 12:30 A.M. PST, 3:30 - 4:30 GMT (April 23)
This live chat will cover both Windows CE .NET and Windows XP Embedded. Do you have tough technical questions regarding Microsoft's Windows Embedded products for which you're seeking answers? Do you want to tap into the deep technical knowledge of the talented Microsoft Embedded Devices Group? If so, please join us for a live Windows Embedded chat and bring on the questions. For more information, go to: http://msdn.microsoft.com/chats/default.asp
To see a complete list of upcoming Microsoft Windows Embedded Chats and Webcasts, or to request a reminder for a chat visit: http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/community/chats/default.aspx
c) CHAT ARCHIVES
Microsoft executives and other Windows Embedded technical experts occasionally host live online chats in which they answer questions and discuss design and development issues with Windows Embedded enthusiasts. Follow the link below to access transcripts of Microsoft-hosted online chats http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/community/chats/archive/default.aspx
d) QFE UPDATES AND SECURITY UPDATES (INCLUDES KNOWLEDGE BASE) QFE updates contain a variety of technical support information and self-help tools for Microsoft products and directly link to the Knowledge Base articles associated with the subject.
+ NEW AND IMPROVED: MICROSOFT DOWNLOAD CENTER
There has been a modification to the Microsoft Download Center so QFEs and all other downloads across the Microsoft.com web properties are more easily discovered. The search tool has been improved as has the categorization of product names. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/search.aspx?displaylang=en
+WINDOWS CE .NET 4.2 HELP UPDATE
This download installs the most recent Microsoft Windows CE .NET 4.2 Help files. The new Help files include corrections to existing content and new information on the registry and the file system. They also include new how-to topics.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=48833489-F36A-4967-97AB-B0BF39A520C1&displaylang=en
e) FEATURED TECHNICAL BLOG OF THE MONTH
MDC presentation slides are available via Alex Yakhnin's weblog. Alex Yakhnin, .NET Compact Framework MVP, writes: "The MDC slides are available here. They're still missing demos and sound, but for the people who couldn't attend this event there's quite a load of useful information." Check out the MDC slides and more at Alex's blog: http://blog.opennetcf.org/ayakhnin/default.aspx.
f) JOIN THE MICROSOFT WINDOWS EMBEDDED THIRD-PARTY COMMUNITY
Do you host a Web site that provides timely and relevant technical content while fostering a greater sense of community amongst embedded developers and enthusiasts? If so, then it may be a candidate for addition to the Windows Embedded Third-Party Community. To be considered, please submit the name, URL and purpose of your community site to edevfdbk@microsoft.com.
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IV. DRIVER AND BSP RESOURCES
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+SUPPORTED DRIVERS
This page provides a list of validated device drivers supported by Windows CE .NET and Windows CE 3.0. Use this table to find a list of drivers that are included in the Windows CE products as well as third-party device drivers that are Microsoft validated and available for download. New drivers are added as they are validated, so check back for regular updates. http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/ce.net/drivers/supdrivers/default.aspx
+DRIVER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Windows CE .NET Driver Development Program (WCEDDP) enables independent hardware and driver developers to get to market faster with free grants of Windows CE .NET Platform Builder.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/ce.net/drivers/driverdev/default.aspx
+DRIVER VALIDATION PROGRAM
The Driver Validation Program (DVP) gives developers, independent hardware vendors (IHVs) or OEM licensees of Microsoft Windows CE .NET the opportunity to validate their drivers for use with Windows CE .NET operating systems. Upon validation, the drivers are then added to the Microsoft list of Windows CE compatible device drivers at:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/ce.net/drivers/driverval/default.aspx
+SUPPORTED BSPS
This page provides a list of certified Board Support Packages (BSP) for Windows CE .NET and Windows CE 3.0. Use this table to find a list of BSPs that are included in the Windows CE products as well as third-party BSPs that are Microsoft certified and available for download. New BSPs are added as they are certified, so check back for regular updates.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/ce.net/bsp/supbsps/default.aspx
+SUPPORTED PROCESSORS
This page provides a list of certified processors for Windows CE .NET and Windows CE 3.0. New processors are added as they are certified, so check back for regular updates.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/ce.net/supproc/default.aspx
+BSP AND CPU CERTIFICATION PROCESS
The BSP and CPU certification process gives Silicon Vendors (SV) and independent hardware vendors (IHVs) the opportunity to certify their Windows CE .NET BSPs and CPU compatibility. Upon certification, the BSPs and CPUs are then added to the Microsoft Supported BSPs and Supported Processors lists at:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/ce.net/bsp/BSPCPUcert/default.aspx
+EVALUATION HARDWARE KITTING PROGRAM
The Windows Embedded Evaluation Hardware Kitting Program enables qualified board vendors to redistribute Windows Embedded evaluation toolkits and operating system images on up to 1,000 of each of their qualifying evaluation hardware platforms per year.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/xp/techarticles/kitting/default.aspx
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V. DEVELOPER EVENTS
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Learn more about up and coming events, training and Windows Embedded community activities.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/community/events/default.aspx
a) MICROSOFT EVENTS
IT’S HERE! THE 2004 WINDOWS EMBEDDED DEVELOPERS’ CONFERENCE JUNE 28 - JULY 1, SAN DIEGO, CA
Based on your feedback, this year's DevCon promises to deliver more code, more demos, and more hands-on experience than ever before. Additionally, the technical content will drill deeper than before—with session levels ranging from the 200 to 400 level. 100-level material will be covered in a full-day pre-conference tutorial.
This is the premier developer event for building and bringing to market solutions, applications, and content for Windows Embedded devices. Attendees will learn the latest technical information on embedded development and engineering straight from the Microsoft development teams. This year's Embedded DevCon will include the most current product updates covered in detail during technical sessions and hands-on labs. http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/community/events/devcon/default.aspx
+ MAY 4-7, 2004 – WINDOWS HARDWARE AND WINDOWS HARDWARE ENGINEERING CONFERENCE (WINHEC) - U.S. - SEATTLE, WA
This annual forum focuses on collaboration for hardware-related technical directions, design, standards, proposals, and interoperability for the Windows platform, including the Windows Embedded family of operating systems. Content is focused towards driver developers and businesses involved in integrating hardware solutions for Microsoft Windows operating systems. WinHEC will now encompass four full days of detailed technical sessions, plus a new track designed specifically for business and product planners.
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/winhec/default.mspx
+ MICROSOFT WINDOWS EMBEDDED OEM TECHNICAL SEMINARS
Don't miss this opportunity to attend a no-cost, one-day event for embedded OEM engineers, developers and technical decision makers. Learn from Microsoft experts and third-party engineers about the expanded features of Windows XP Embedded and Windows CE .NET. Plus, during each session you will see how to build an image from start to finish. Don't forget to check out the expanded exhibit hall and take home your no-cost evaluation software.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/community/events/default.aspx
b) COMMUNITY EVENTS
+ REAL-TIME & EMBEDDED COMPUTING CONFERENCES (RTECC)
The Real-Time & Embedded Computing Conferences (RTECC) are a unique, one-day event showcasing the newest products and latest information from industry leaders. RTECC features open-door technical sessions in conjunction with tabletop exhibits. For a calendar of upcoming Conference dates and locations go to http://www.rtecc.com/home/
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VI. DEVELOPER COMMUNITY
==============================================
a) NEWS
+WORLDWIDE YEAR 2003 CENSUS OF EMBEDDED SOFTWARE ENGINEERS
Ever wonder how many embedded software developers there are in the world? We did too, so we asked respected embedded industry analyst Paul Zorfass, of research firm First Technology Inc. (FTI). Here's what we learned:
http://www.windowsfordevices.com/news/NS3598078095.html
DEVELOPMENT SHOP BOASTS CONTINUED WINDOWS CE SUCCESS
Vibren Technologies reports that it has been awarded its 14th contract to develop Windows CE .NET based software for companies creating new products based on Microsoft's Windows CE .NET embedded operating system. The projects include wireless devices, media streaming, set-top boxes, and scanners, Vibren says, and involve "many of the best-known, global 100 companies in the world."
http://www.windowsfordevices.com/news/NS3259535555.html
b) PUBLICATIONS
+ EMBEDDED MVP WHITE PAPERS
Learn to create self-updating applications using .NET Compact Framework by Embedded MVP Alex Feinman
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dnnetcomp/html/AutoUpdater.asp
+EMBEDDED MVP BOOK RELEASES:
Doug Boling: Programming Microsoft Windows CE
Sean Liming: Windows XP Embedded Advanced
Larry Roof: (with Dan Fergus): The Definitive Guide to the .NET Compact Framework
Andy Wigley: (with Stephen Wheelwright/Mark Sutton): Microsoft .NET Compact Framework (Core Reference)
Andy Wigley: (with Peter Roxburgh): Building Microsoft ASP.NET Applications for Mobile Devices, Second Edition
===============================================
VII. WINDOWS EMBEDDED TRAINING
===============================================
FIND NEW WINDOWS CE .NET AND WINDOWS XP EMBEDDED COURSES AS WELL AS A COMPLETE LIST OF TRAINERS Get trained on the tools and technologies used to build the next generation of Embedded Systems based on Windows CE .NET and Windows XP Embedded - Microsoft has released hands-on, developer focused training for Windows CE .NET and Windows XP Embedded - find the latest updated lists of courses and trainers below.
a) WINDOWS CE .NET TRAINING
Find the latest Windows CE .NET training curriculum and partners at:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/ce.net/train/trnpart/default.aspx
*** Three Microsoft Official Curriculum courses are now available ***
+ INTRODUCTION TO WINDOWS CE .NET (COURSE #2530)
Upon completion of this one-day, hands-on course, students will be able to describe the Windows CE .NET operating system architecture, Windows CE-supported technologies, and the Windows CE build system, as well as the debug features and remote tools. Students will also gain hands-on experience with customizing, building, deploying, and debugging a Windows CE operating system image.
http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/syllabi/2530Afinal.asp
+ DEVELOPING BOARD SUPPORT PACKAGES FOR WINDOWS CE .NET (COURSE #2535)
This four-day, hands-on course focuses on the tools used to "port" Windows CE to new hardware. Upon completion of this course, students will have gained in-depth knowledge of the Windows CE build system, implementing a boot loader, implementing an OEM Adaptation Layer (OAL), creating a BSP and associated "Feature Files" (CEC), advanced debug techniques, and developing device drivers. Students will also gain hands-on experience using Platform Builder and remote tools.
http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/syllabi/2535Afinal.asp
+ DEVELOPING EMBEDDED SOLUTIONS FOR WINDOWS CE .NET (COURSE #2540)
This course is a follow-up (and companion) course to "Introduction to Windows CE .NET" (Course #2530). Upon completion of this four-day, hands-on course, students will be able to customize and deploy a Windows CE image to emulation and a hardware reference board. Students will also gain in-depth knowledge of the Windows CE build system, debugging techniques, kernel features, device driver models, and supported technologies, including networking and communications, building and modifying "Feature Files" creating a custom shell, and working with application development tools.
http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/syllabi/2540Afinal.asp
b) WINDOWS XP EMBEDDED TRAINING
Find the latest Windows XP Embedded training curriculum and partners at:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/xp/train/default.aspx
*** One Microsoft Official Curriculum course is now available ***
+ DEVELOPING EMBEDDED SOLUTIONS FOR WINDOWS XP EMBEDDED (COURSE #2545)
Upon completion of this two-day course, students will be able to describe Windows XP Embedded and its architecture, install and use the Windows XP Embedded tool set, build custom components and import these into the component repository, and build and deploy Windows XP Embedded images to reference hardware.
http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/syllabi/2545Afinal.asp
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VIII. NEWSGROUPS
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Get answers and stay active in the Windows Embedded developer community by visiting our Windows Embedded Newsgroups.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/community/newsgrp/default.aspx
-- WINDOWS CE
News://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsce.platbuilder
News://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsce.embedded
News://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsce.app.development
News://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsce.embedded.vb
News://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsce.embedded.vc
News://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsce.testtools
News://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsce.techpreview
News://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsce.targeted.device
News://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.win32.programmer.wince
-- WINDOWS NT EMBEDDED
News://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsnt.embedded
--.NET COMPACT FRAMEWORK
News://msnews.microsoft.public.dotnet.framework.compactframework
-- SERVER APPLIANCE KIT (SAK)
news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.serverappliance
-- INTERNATIONAL
News://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.de.german.windowsce
News://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.de.german.windowsce.entwickler
News://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.jp.windowsce
News://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.in.dotnet.compactframework
For the latest and in-depth information on the Microsoft Windows Embedded family, product, tools and partner information, visit our Web Sites:
+ Microsoft Windows Embedded Developer Center
http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded
+ Microsoft Windows Embedded Developer Community
http://msdn.microsoft.com/embedded/community/
+ Windows Embedded Partner site:
http://www.mswep.com
If you have feedback, recommendations or content you as a developer would like to see included in DevWire please send comments to:
mailto:edevwire@microsoft.com