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From the Editor
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A Nibble plus Four Bits Will Get You a Byte
When WHDC writers work with the Windows developers and architects to create new topics for our Driver Fundamentals series, we begin playing Twenty Questions. As soon as we first ask, "Can you tell me more?" we are furiously taking notes—and sometimes sitting back while people discuss and resolve the nuances of how Windows works internally.
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To create the brand-new Memory Management white paper, we asked questions such as, "How can we best present the different physical address spaces: physical memory space, device bus space, and so on?" We wanted to describe the nature of the physical address spaces in a general way while covering various possible hardware implementations.
Then we persisted with more questions: "What to say about cached versus noncached memory?" Well, all our hardware is cache-coherent, so there's no reason not to use cached memory—except in the rare cases where you need noncached or write-combined memory.
By the time we asked 64 * 20 questions and resolved the conflicts, autumn had turned to winter, the solstice has passed, and the days were getting longer. Like Detective Colombo with one last question, we asked: "Did we stress enough that drivers writers should always use the DMA routines to allocate buffers for DMA and never use anything else?"
In the end, we inserted three warnings—and now, we only hope you'll remember them.
WHDC after Dark. We'll keep putting these links here because you seem to keep clicking them. Admit it—you wish you'd thought of this:
Annie Pearson
for the WHDC team
Driver Tips and News
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Using memory wisely can help prevent driver errors and improve driver performance. Here are six tips for efficient memory use.
Kernel-mode drivers allocate memory for various purposes, such as storing internal data or using as I/O buffers. To help driver writers use memory correctly, this paper explains the following:
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Fundamental information about physical and virtual memory and address spaces.
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Types of memory that are available to drivers and when to use each type.
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Techniques for allocating memory to satisfy a driver's diverse requirements.
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Techniques for accessing memory that other components allocate for I/O operations.
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Techniques for sharing memory with other kernel-mode and user-mode components.
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Techniques for testing and troubleshooting memory allocation and usage problems.
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Use this hands-on lab to learn how to develop and test drivers in Windows CE 5.0.
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Tips and Directions for Platforms
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Windows Server 2003 Service SP1 includes enhanced security, increased reliability, and simplified administration to help enterprise customers across all industries. Install and test SP1 only in a test environment.
Download or order the newest version of trial software for Windows Server 2003 Enterprise x64 Edition.
Microsoft is supporting adoption of the Interface A standard for the semiconductor industry by developing architectural guidance that will allow chipmakers, equipment vendors, independent solutions vendors, and systems integrators to deliver Microsoft-based solutions that support the standard. The Interface A standard, based on XML Web services, allows chipmakers access to more complete and useful data for applications such as equipment diagnostics and advanced process control.
Join the Windows XP Embedded Product Team for a live chat to learn how features in Windows XP Embedded with SP2 deliver the power of Windows in componentized form, enabling embedded developers to rapidly build reliable and advanced embedded devices. This chat occurs February 10, 2005, 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. Pacific time.
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Kits, Tools, Services, and Programs
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New SymProxy tool, new commands, and new options for the wt and .printf commands, and much more.
Windows AntiSpyware (beta) is a security technology that helps protect Windows users from spyware and other potentially unwanted software.
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Security and Reliability
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Microsoft security experts answer security questions for developers and IT professionals.
Explore how to create the development framework you need to ensure secure technologies, including organizational considerations, process hierarchy, life cycle management, and support tools.
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WinHEC and Driver DevCon News
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Don't miss your chance to save. Early-bird pricing is available through March 2.
Or: Surrender to your desires and attend both events. If you plan to attend both events, you are eligible for a $200 discount off your second conference registration. When you complete your first registration, contact the registration company to receive your discount code.
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