Windows CE 5.0 Development Made Easy with Platform Builder
Microsoft Windows CE Platform Builder 5.0 Download
If you are looking for a way to create applications for devices based on Microsoft Windows CE 5.0, you might be interested in downloading Platform Builder for Windows CE 5.0. This is a powerful integrated development environment (IDE) that allows you to customize, build, and debug Windows CE operating systems, applications, and drivers.
microsoft windows ce platform builder 5.0 download
In this article, we will explain what Windows CE is and why you need Platform Builder to develop applications for it. We will also show you how to download and install Platform Builder for Windows CE 5.0, as well as how to use it to create your own projects. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of Windows CE development and how Platform Builder can help you achieve your goals.
What is Windows CE and why do you need Platform Builder?
Windows CE is a version of Microsoft's Windows operating system that was designed for mobile and other space-constrained devices with small footprints. It was first released in 1996 and has been used in various devices such as handheld PCs, smartphones, industrial controllers, point-of-sale terminals, cameras, and more.
Windows CE is a highly customizable OS that can be tailored to fit the specific needs of different devices and applications. However, to do so, you need a tool that can help you modify the OS components, configure the settings, and build the image that will run on your device. This is where Platform Builder comes in.
Windows CE features and benefits
Windows CE has several features and benefits that make it suitable for embedded devices, such as:
Low power usage: Windows CE can run on batteries or other low-power sources for longer periods of time.
Compatibility with flash memory storage: Windows CE can be stored on flash memory chips that are faster, more reliable, and more durable than hard disks.
Low memory requirements: Windows CE can run on devices with as little as 4 MB of RAM and 2 MB of ROM.
User-friendly graphical user interface (GUI): Windows CE has a similar look and feel to Windows 95, with a Start menu, taskbar, desktop icons, and familiar applications.
Pocket versions of Microsoft Office applications: Windows CE includes pocket versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Internet Explorer that can synchronize with desktop PCs running Windows.
Support for multiple CPU architectures: Windows CE can run on various processors such as ARM, MIPS, x86, SH-4, etc.
Support for multiple languages: Windows CE can be localized to different languages and regions.
Support for multiple connectivity options: Windows CE can communicate with other devices using serial ports, infrared ports, USB ports, Ethernet ports, wireless LANs, Bluetooth, etc.
Platform Builder features and benefits
Platform Builder is an IDE that allows you to customize, build, and debug Windows CE operating systems, applications, and drivers. It has several features and benefits that make it an essential tool for Windows CE development, such as:
Customization of OS components: Platform Builder lets you select which OS components you want to include or exclude from your OS image. You can also modify the source code of some components or add your own components.
Configuration of OS settings: Platform Builder lets you configure various OS settings such as the registry, the boot loader, the memory management, the security, the localization, etc.
Building of OS image: Platform Builder lets you compile and link the OS components into a single binary file that can be downloaded to your device or stored on a flash memory card.
Debugging of OS image: Platform Builder lets you connect to your device via serial cable, Ethernet cable, or wireless LAN and debug the OS image using breakpoints, watch windows, call stacks, etc.
Development of applications and drivers: Platform Builder lets you create, edit, build, and debug applications and drivers for Windows CE using C, C++, or Visual Basic. You can also use the Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC) or the Windows CE API to access the OS features and services.
Testing of applications and drivers: Platform Builder lets you run and test your applications and drivers on your device or on an emulator that simulates the device's hardware and software.
Integration with Visual Studio: Platform Builder can be integrated with Visual Studio 2005 or later versions to provide a unified development environment for Windows CE and other platforms.
How to download Platform Builder for Windows CE 5.0?
If you want to download Platform Builder for Windows CE 5.0, you need to follow these steps:
Requirements and prerequisites
Before you download Platform Builder for Windows CE 5.0, you need to make sure that you have the following requirements and prerequisites:
A PC running Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 or later versions.
A minimum of 1 GB of RAM and 10 GB of free disk space.
A CD-ROM drive or a DVD-ROM drive.
An Internet connection.
A valid license for Windows CE 5.0. You can obtain a license from Microsoft or from an authorized distributor. You can also use a trial license that is valid for 120 days.
Steps to download and install Platform Builder
Once you have the requirements and prerequisites, you can download and install Platform Builder for Windows CE 5.0 by following these steps:
Go to the Microsoft Download Center website and search for "Platform Builder for Windows CE 5.0".
Select the appropriate language and click on "Download".
Save the file "PB50_ENU.iso" to your PC.
Burn the ISO file to a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM using a software such as Nero or ImgBurn.
Insert the CD-ROM or the DVD-ROM into your PC and run the setup program "setup.exe".
Follow the instructions on the screen to install Platform Builder for Windows CE 5.0. You will need to enter your license key during the installation process.
Restart your PC after the installation is complete.
Tips and troubleshooting
Here are some tips and troubleshooting suggestions for downloading and installing Platform Builder for Windows CE 5.0:
If you encounter any problems during the download process, try using a different browser or a download manager such as Free Download Manager or Internet Download Manager.
If you encounter any errors during the installation process, try running the setup program as an administrator or in compatibility mode for Windows XP.
If you need to uninstall Platform Builder for Windows CE 5.0, use the "Add or Remove Programs" feature in the Control Panel.
If you need more help or support, visit the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) website or the Microsoft Support website.
How to develop applications for Windows CE using Platform Builder?
After you have downloaded and installed Platform Builder for Windows CE 5.0, you can start developing applications for Windows CE using this tool. Here are some steps to guide you through the development process:
Development tools and environment
Platform Builder for Windows CE 5.0 provides several tools and features that can help you develop applications for Windows CE, such as:
The IDE: This is the main interface where you can create, edit, build, debug, and test your projects. It has various windows and menus that allow you to access different functions and options.
The Catalog: This is a collection of OS components that you can select or deselect to customize your OS image. It has various categories such as Core OS, Applications, Drivers, etc.
The Workspace: This is a folder that contains all the files and settings related to your project. It has various subfolders such as Release, Debug, Src, etc.The Target Device: This is the device that you want to run your OS image and applications on. It can be a physical device or an emulator. You can connect to your target device using various methods such as serial cable, Ethernet cable, or wireless LAN.
The Platform Manager: This is a tool that allows you to manage your target devices and communicate with them. You can use it to download, run, stop, or reboot your OS image and applications. You can also use it to debug and test your OS image and applications.
The Build System: This is a tool that allows you to compile and link your OS components, applications, and drivers into a single binary file. You can use it to build different configurations such as Debug or Release.
The Debugger: This is a tool that allows you to debug your OS image, applications, and drivers on your target device. You can use it to set breakpoints, watch variables, view call stacks, etc.
The Profiler: This is a tool that allows you to analyze the performance of your OS image, applications, and drivers on your target device. You can use it to measure the CPU usage, memory usage, thread activity, etc.
The Remote Tools: These are tools that allow you to perform various tasks on your target device remotely. For example, you can use the Remote Registry Editor to edit the registry of your target device, or the Remote File Viewer to view the files on your target device.
Creating a project and a workspace
To create a project and a workspace for Windows CE development using Platform Builder, you need to follow these steps:
Launch Platform Builder from the Start menu or the desktop shortcut.
Select "File" > "New" > "Project" from the menu bar.
In the "New Project" dialog box, select "Windows CE" as the project type and enter a name for your project. You can also choose a location for your project files.
Click on "OK".
In the "Platform Builder Catalog" window, select the OS components that you want to include in your OS image. You can browse through the categories and subcategories and check or uncheck the components as needed. You can also search for specific components using the search box.
Click on "Next".
In the "Platform Builder Settings" window, configure the settings for your OS image such as the CPU architecture, the memory layout, the boot loader, etc. You can also modify the source code of some components or add your own components if needed.
Click on "Finish".
Platform Builder will create a workspace folder that contains all the files and settings related to your project. It will also open the IDE window where you can edit, build, debug, and test your project.
Building and deploying applications
To build and deploy applications for Windows CE using Platform Builder, you need to follow these steps:
In the IDE window, select "File" > "New" > "File" from the menu bar.
In the "New File" dialog box, select "Windows CE Application" as the file type and enter a name for your application. You can also choose a location for your application files.
Click on "OK".
Platform Builder will create a source file and a project file for your application. It will also add your application to the workspace folder.
In the IDE window, edit the source code of your application using C, C++, or Visual Basic. You can also use the MFC or the Windows CE API to access the OS features and services.
To build your application, select "Build" > "Build Solution" from the menu bar. Platform Builder will compile and link your application into an executable file (.exe) or a dynamic link library (.dll).
To deploy your application to your target device, select "Target" > "Connect" from the menu bar. Platform Builder will connect to your target device via serial cable, Ethernet cable, or wireless LAN.</li and forums related to Windows CE and Platform Builder. You can also download the latest updates and patches for these tools from this website.
The Windows CE Developer Center: This is a section of the MSDN website that focuses on Windows CE development. Here you can find articles, videos, blogs, podcasts, and webcasts that cover various topics and scenarios related to Windows CE and Platform Builder.
The Windows CE Platform Builder Forum: This is a forum where you can ask questions, share tips, and get help from other Windows CE developers and experts. You can also browse through the existing threads and posts to find answers and solutions to common problems and issues.
The Windows CE Books: There are several books that can help you learn more about Windows CE and Platform Builder, such as:
Windows CE 5.0: Developing for Small Devices by Douglas Boling: This book covers the basics of Windows CE development using Platform Builder and Visual Studio. It also provides examples and exercises that demonstrate how to create various types of applications and drivers for Windows CE devices.
Professional Microsoft Windows Embedded CE 6.0 by Samuel Phung: This book covers the advanced topics of Windows CE development using Platform Builder and Visual Studio. It also provides case studies and best practices that illustrate how to design, optimize, and debug complex Windows CE systems.
Programming Windows Embedded CE 6.0 Developer Reference by Douglas Boling: This book is a reference guide that covers the Windows CE API, the MFC, and the ATL. It also provides code samples and tips that show how to use these libraries to create applications and drivers for Windows CE devices.
If you are ready to start developing applications for Windows CE using Platform Builder, download it today and get started. You will be amazed by what you can create with this powerful tool. Happy coding!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Windows CE and Platform Builder:
What is the difference between Windows CE and Windows Mobile?
Windows Mobile is a version of Windows CE that was designed for smartphones and personal digital assistants (PDAs). It has a specific user interface, applications, and features that are optimized for these devices. Windows Mobile is no longer supported by Microsoft and has been replaced by Windows Phone.
What is the difference between Platform Builder and Visual Studio?
Platform Builder is an IDE that allows you to customize, build, and debug Windows CE operating systems, applications, and drivers. Visual Studio is an IDE that allows you to create applications and drivers for various platforms, including Windows CE. Platform Builder can be integrated with Visual Studio to provide a unified development environment for Windows CE.
What are the system requirements for Platform Builder?
To run Platform Builder, you need a PC running Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 or later versions, with a minimum of 1 GB of RAM and 10 GB of free disk space. You also need a CD-ROM drive or a DVD-ROM drive, an Internet connection, and a valid license for Windows CE 5.0.
How can I get a license for Windows CE 5.0?
You can obtain a license for Windows CE 5.0 from Microsoft or from an authorized distributor. You can also use a trial license that is valid for 120 days.
How can I connect to my target device using Platform Builder?
You can connect to your target device using various methods such as serial cable, Ethernet cable, or wireless LAN. You need to configure the connection settings in the Platform Manager before you can connect to your target device.
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