Microsoft Windows XP Embedded Features

What are the main advantages of XP Embedded over Windows XP Professional? 

Windows XP Embedded is the componentized version of Windows XP Professional but can deliver greater security at a lower administrative overhead resulting in the need for less expensive and smaller hardware devices. The major difference is, that Windows XP Embedded is engineered specifically to support embedded devices and their manufacturers .

Windows® XP Embedded offers the full functionality  of Windows  XP  Professional at reduced footprint and enhanced performance.  Based  on  Windows  XP  Professional Service Pack 2 (SP2), Windows XP Embedded offers a high level of componentization. Using a toolkit called the Windows Embedded  Studio. Wordsworth Technology can create a fully customised Windows XP Embedded environment for whatever device we’re building for you, and that environment includes only the functionality your device will need.  

Windows XP Embedded isn’t just a stripped down operating system option. Microsoft makes  pre packaged components available that allow a computer running Windows XP Embedded to have the same functionality as a full version of Windows XP Professional. For example, if you don’t need DirectX® or Windows Explorer then we simply won’t include them in the operating system. This modular approach means that each Windows XP Embedded image we build and deploy for you will have fewer parts, reducing administrative costs, providing greater security, as well as the ability to run on lower cost embedded hardware.  

In today’s markets, more and  more scenarios are ideal for a Windows XP Embedded based devices. For example, Digital Signage, POS Kiosks, Control Automation and Gaming devices to mention a few. Because you don't need the full functionality of Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Embedded lets you trim down the functionality to just what’s needed for your application solution.  

Windows XP Embedded offers some very valuable “Embedded Enabling Features ” that you will not find in the full version of Windows XP. Enhanced Write Filter (EWF) and Hibernate Once, Resume Many (HORM) and Device Update Agent (DUA) an inbuilt script based update service for automatically/ remotely changing your devices configuration or installing new software versions, all can simplify your Windows administration tasks; 

EWF is an optional component you can add into a Windows XP Embedded deployment that makes a given disk volume read only. The operating system itself views the EWF overlay and its parent volume as a single unit, meaning it looks just like a normal disk  volume.  With EWF you’re assured that the original boot volume (on CD or DVD) will not ever change. If you wipe out the EWF overlay, you can also reset the machine to its original configuration. 

HORM, allows you to hibernate a machine one time and then resume from that hibernate point again and again very quickly. Each time you turn on the machine, you will only need to wait a few seconds to have everything up and running again.       

Key benefits of Windows XP embedded 

Lower hardware requirements vs. XP Pro - Generally  speaking you  can  get  away  with  less  RAM  and  storage space, and in some cases lower CPU performance than with an XP Pro install. Windows XP Embedded systems can support smaller, lower powered hardware that’s easier to care for, easier to repair, and can cost significantly less. For example, Wordsworth Technology provides motherboards that use low power, Intel‐compatible  processors. These motherboards are extremely small, use very little power, and often don’t use a fan since they run much cooler. They work particularly well for small, embedded devices capable of running only a limited set of applications. 

Lower power consumption Reducing hardware requirements reduces power consumption. By reducing power consumption you reduce the total cost of ownership of a device as well as your carbon footprint.  

Better Security reduce/restricted functionality means that less surface area is exposed to mistakes or possible security attacks.

Hibernate Once Resume Many (HORM) XP Embedded SP2 allows the embedded computer to hibernate once setup how you need it. It will restart very quickly at this same spot every time.  

Multiple and Remote Boot Options – With Windows XP embedded, you can boot from Read Only Medias such as  CD, DVD or USB devices. Remote Boot can be configured to allow complete remote operation via remote desktop, allowing you to reconfigure and install software from anywhere on the network.   

Headless Systems (No Mouse / Keyboard / Graphic) Microsoft Windows XP Embedded will run without a keyboard, mouse, or monitor.   

Lower licensing cost vs. XP Pro Microsoft Windows XP Embedded has the same functionality as Windows XP Professional with a license fee that is lower than a XP professional license. Wordsworth Technology can supply “XP Embedded Licensing” options that can reduce your overall system costs. 

Run standard Windows XP applications Windows XP Embedded uses the same binaries as Windows XP Professional allowing Windows based applications to run on Windows XP Embedded, and embedded application developers can use the Windows API set to write applications, just like Windows XP Professional developers do.  

Enhanced write filter (EWF)– Windows XP Embedded offers an Enhanced Write Filter (EWF) which protects the boot partition from unauthorised modification or corruption by any source,  power outages, conflicting applications, user interference. EWF works by making a RAM Overlay. This protects the boot image no matter if it is on a hard drive or USB flash drive. If a corruption does occur or unauthorised software is installed, just reboot and the system will return to its original state. 

Small footprint Windows XP Embedded images can be very small, as little as 10MB in size. Even a more complicated image is unlikely to be more than 100/400MB   

A Mature and Complete Technology Achieve low device life cycle costs and changing requirements more rapidly, flexibly, and predictably with a mature and comprehensive embedded development platform, integrated development tool chain, and the latest innovative  technologies. 

Proven commercial software business model Windows XP Embedded is based on a proven commercial software business model that aligns with manufacturer device life cycle needs with the industry’s largest partner ecosystem and low cost, extended operating system. 

Embedded Web Server, File Server, and Terminal Server Implementation can include an embedded web server for host pages, a complete file server and terminal services. Build web pages with Microsoft FrontPage, Silverlight or any HTML editor. 

Broad Driver Coverage. Windows XP Embedded includes an extensive set of device drivers that are delivered in source form to optimize embedded development. Windows XP Embedded alone includes around 9,000 Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) certified drivers for hardware platforms. 

Included Integrated Technologies Technologies such as Bluetooth, DirectX®, multimedia codecs and the .NET Framework. These technologies must usually be licensed separately for other embedded platforms from multiple vendors.

Back to XP Embedded introduction

Further  information 

Wordsworth Technology Limited have a dedicated XP embedded sales team that can discuss your precise application needs or planned  project. Whatever your questions we can advise you how Windows XP Embedded could benefit you. 

For sales assistance please telephone us on 01527 406890, email us at sales@wordsworth.co.uk. We will always aim to provide you with a prompt response to any questions you may have.