Modifying an OS Design (Windows CE 5.0)

A major aspect of the target device development process is refining and debugging the run-time image built from the OS design you selected. For more information about the elements of the development process, see Overview of Windows CE Development.

During the process of refining and debugging the run-time image, you can modify the OS design that the run-time image is based on, and then rebuild and download the run-time image to the target device for further debugging and testing.

Modifying an OS design can involve the following tasks:

  • Adding or removing Catalog items

    When you use the New Platform Wizard to configure an OS design, the design templates provide a default selection of Catalog items you can modify.

    Catalog items can be part of the default selection in the design templates provided with Platform Builder or by a third-party vendor, or they can be items you create and add to the Catalog.

    For more information about customizing the Catalog, see Catalog Customization.

  • Adding projects

    When you create a project using the New Project Wizard, the project has an associated Platform Builder project (.pbpxml) file. For more information, see Creating a Project.

  • Adding a board support package (BSP)

    BSPs can be provided with Platform Builder or by a third-party vendor, or created using the BSP Wizard.

    For more information, see Developing a Board Support Package.

  • Adding a device driver

    A device driver links the OS and a device, making it possible for the OS to recognize the device and to expose the device's services to applications. For more information, see Developing a Device Driver.

  • Creating an OEM adaptation layer (OAL)

    An OAL is the layer between the Windows CE kernel and the hardware of your target device. For more information, see Developing an OEM Adaptation Layer.

  • Creating a boot loader

    A boot loader enables you to download code to a target device. For more information, see Developing a Boot Loader.

  • Localizing the OS design

    You can localize your OS design for a specific international market or locale.

    For more information, see OS Localization.

  • Configuring and building a software development kit (SDK)

    After you complete your OS design, you can provide support for the development of additional applications for the OS design by using Platform Builder to create an SDK.

    Application developers can import your SDK into Microsoft eMbedded Visual C++® 4.0 and later and Microsoft Visual Studio® .NET to create, debug, and run custom applications. For more information, see SDK Development.

After refining and debugging the OS design, you adapt it for your custom target device.

See Also

Catalog Overview | Catalog Customization

Last updated on Thursday, February 02, 2006

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