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your Windows® embedded community
Windows For Devices
your Windows® embedded community
According to Amapane, the Silverlight 3.0 setup component includes all dependencies for installing Silverlight 3.0, plus the Silveright 3.0 executable file itself. The Remote Desktop 7.0 client, meanwhile, enables the new remote desktop features that were introduced with Windows 7, he writes.
Separately, Microsoft sent an email to those who have downloaded the Windows Embedded Standard 7 RC (see later for background), asking them to complete a survey regarding the operating system's OOBE (out of box experience) features. These include first-boot tasks such as configuring a user account, network settings, time zone, and so on, the company says.
Some of the 13 questions in the online survey include:
Windows Embedded Standard 7
Like the previous Windows Embedded Standard 2009, Windows Embedded Standard 7 -- codenamed "Quebec" during its initial development -- is "componentized," letting developers create an OS on their devices with only the drivers, services, and applications they need. Unlike Windows Embedded Standard 2009, which was based on Windows XP, Windows Embedded Standard 7 is based on Windows 7, and is available in both 32- and 64-bit versions, according to Microsoft.
While Microsoft had provided no formal release date for Quebec, promising only that it would be available "within a number of quarters" after Windows 7's release, it made the first downloadable beta (or CTP, to use Redmond's preferred nomenclature) available on Sept. 1, 2009, in advance even of Windows 7's retail debut. The second beta, CTP2, became available not long after, on Nov. 20. Finally, Microsoft unveiled the release candidate last month -- also announcing the Windows Embedded Standard 7 moniker for what had been called Windows Embedded Standard 2011.
According to Microsoft, Windows Embedded Standard 7 "delivers the power, familiarity and reliability of the Windows 7 operating system in a highly customizable and componentized form, enabling OEMs in industrial automation, entertainment, consumer electronics and other markets to focus on their core competencies and create product differentiation."
Touting "familiar, easy-to-use development tools and embedded-enabling features," the company adds that the OS will reduce development costs and increase speed to market for thin-client, point-of-service (POS), kiosk, medical, multifunction printers, and other devices.
Key Windows Embedded Standard 7 features highlighted by the company include the following:
Microsoft says the Windows Embedded Standard RC is being provided as five download packages, as follows:
Further information
To read Luca Amapane's blog posting about new out-of-band features for Windows Embedded Standard 2009, go here. To download the relevant ISO, go here [ECE user name and password required].
To answer the OOBE survey questions about Windows Embedded Standard, go here [user name and password required]. Microsoft says it would like to receive answers by the 15th of this month.
Release candidate builds of Windows Embedded Standard 7 are downloadable for free now, but will expire on August 15, 2010, Microsoft says. The operating system will be RTM'ed (released to manufacturing) during the second half of the year, after which time Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification, a preparation kit, and training courseware will become available, the company adds.
For further information and to access the downloads, see Microsoft's website, here.
