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Windows Embedded Enterprise FAQ

Windows Embedded Enterprise Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems contain the same software bits and operate identically to Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP Pro desktop operating systems. Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems have certain licensing restrictions that specify how they are to be used. These restrictions ensure that OEMs:

  • Create a product that does not use the OS as a general-purpose computing platform
  • Create a product that displays a custom user interface in place of the Microsoft shell at boot-up

What is Windows 7 for Embedded Systems?

Windows 7 for Embedded Systems is the next generation in a long line of operating systems. The product line offers two choices:
  • Windows 7 Professional for Embedded Systems
  • Windows 7 Ultimate for Embedded Systems
Developers use Windows 7 for Embedded Systems for its visual and differentiated user interfaces, connectivity capabilities, and reliability in building secure applications that create an engaging, usable, and productive embedded device for an end-user. This powerful, bootable operating system connects people, information, and peripherals in a familiar and standardized way.

Windows 7 for Embedded Systems provides:

Confidence
Works seamlessly with a broad range of applications, making your solution easy to install, configure, and manage

Connectivity
Easily connects, using built-in networking capabilities, with standards-based plug and play peripherals, servers, and services. Back to top

Will Windows 7 for Embedded Systems replace Windows XP Pro and Windows Vista for Embedded Systems?

Windows 7 for Embedded Systems is not replacing the existing Windows Embedded Enterprise products. While Microsoft encourages OEMs to consider Windows 7 for Embedded Systems for their new device designs, OEMs can still order and deploy the existing Windows Embedded Enterprise line of products. Windows XP for Embedded Systems will be available until December 2016.

What is the availability of Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems?

Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems will be available through a Windows Authorized Embedded Distributor through December 2016. Technical support will be available through April 2014. Select OEMs will be able to purchase Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems through 2016 as well.
Purchasing a Windows Embedded Enterprise OS license through a Windows Authorized Embedded Distributor will ensure that you:

  • Get optimal pricing
  • License your product correctly
  • Get the correct support for your product
Yes – In Windows 7 Ultimate.
Windows 7 for Embedded Systems leverages Microsoft’s Security Development Lifecycle, ensuring standards for excellence and including new security improvements at the architectural level. Windows 7 enables compelling smart, connected device scenarios and allows for integration of the following security features:

  • Microsoft Windows logon
  • Better Windows firewall (inbound and outbound protection)
  • Browser security and privacy protection with Internet Explorer 7
  • Windows Defender to block, control, and remove spyware and other potentially unwanted software
  • Data encryption at the disk, directory, or file level (BitLocker Drive Encryption is only available for Windows Vista Ultimate Edition)
  • User account control
  • AppLocker protects devices from unwanted applications
  • DirectAccess provides secure VPN to corporate enterprise data
  • ActionCenter keeps the user up-to-date with all system-wide important messages
Windows 7 Ultimate for Embedded Systems provides new levels of protection against theft of important business data stored on the embedded device and access to multilanguage support. It also helps reduce application migration and compatibility costs, making your Windows-based embedded device more versatile, as well as providing a safety net for operating system migration.

Easy connection to the Enterprise via DirectAccess and locally cached Enterprise data using BranchCache are unique Windows 7 Ultimate for Embedded Systems features as well as booting from VHD files and the Security feature AppLocker.
Windows Embedded Enterprise Systems makes it easier for customers to ensure that operating system files are always up-to-date. The operating system supports:
  • Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) System Center Configuration Manager 2007 is the solution to comprehensively assess, deploy, and update your devices – across physical, virtual, distributed, and mobile environments. SCCM also supports Windows XP Pro for Embedded Systems. Learn more about SCCM.
  • Microsoft Software Update Services (SUS) Provides administrators the ability to proactively deploy critical updates to Windows Embedded devices.
  • Microsoft Windows Update Scans a system running Windows for Embedded Systems to determine what updates are required and provides a list of updates tailored just for that system. Systems can also be configured for automatic updates to ensure that they remain up-to-date.

“How do I?”

Series of videos to help you develop with Windows 7
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