News & Training

FAQ

Can Windows CE be used for a general purpose device?

  • no.2838
  • 2011-03-31
No. According to the Microsoft web site: 'Licensee may not use or include Windows CE toolkit, the Windows CE runtimes, or any components thereof, in the development of a general purpose computing device. A "general purpose device" is any computer device or system whose functionality allows unrestricted use of, or access to, "Office Automation and Personal Computing Functions". "Office Automation and Personal Computing Functions" refer to consumer or business tasks or processes, including (but not limited to): e-mail, word processing, spreadsheets, database, network/Internet browsing, scheduling, and personal finance. Embedded Systems installed with Windows CE may perform an unlimited number of Office Automation and Personal Computing Functions. An "embedded system" is any computer system or computing device that performs a dedicated function or is designed for use with a specific embedded software application. Embedded systems may use a ROM-based operating system or they may use a disk-based system, like a PC. But an embedded system is not usable as a commercially viable substitute for general purpose computers or devices.'