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A

  • access control list (ACL)
    A list associated with an object that contains information about users or groups who have permissions to use or modify the object.
  • ACL
    See access control list.
  • ACPI
    See Advanced Configuration and Power Interface.
  • Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)
    A specification that defines a new interface to the system board. This interface enables the operating system to implement operating system-directed power management and system configuration.
  • action message
    A message displayed when an alert is raised.
  • Active Directory
    The directory service included with Windows 2000 Server that stores information about objects on a network and makes this information available to users and network administrators.
  • Active Server Pages (ASP)
    An open application environment in which HTML pages, scripts, and ActiveX components are combined to create Web-based applications.
  • agent
    A computer running Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) agent software. See alsoSimple Network Management Protocol.
  • alert ID
    The code used to identify and raise an alert. The combination of AlertID and AlertLog are unique for each alert.
  • AlertLog
    The code used to uniquely identify the area of the alert, such as disk and Internet. The combination of AlertID and AlertLog are unique for each alert.
  • alerts
    Actions to be taken when specific events occur, such as a specific error, errors of certain severities, or a database reaching a defined limit of free space available. The alert can be defined to take such actions as sending an e-mail, paging an operator, or running a job to address the problem.
  • API
    See application programming interface.
  • appliance initialization task
    The appliance initialization task is executed on every boot. Add the appliance task object to the list of task executables in the appliance initialization task under the following registry key and value: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\ServerAppliance\ApplianceManager\ObjectManagers\Microsoft_SA_Task\ApplianceInitializationTask
  • appliance monitor
    The component that enhances the reliability of the Server Appliance Kit operating system by monitoring the state of the server appliance and taking corrective action following resource exhaustion or malfunction.
  • application programming interface (API)
    A standard set of documented and supported routines that expose operating system programming interfaces and services to applications.
  • application wizard
    A wizard that automatically creates a set of starter files for a new component.
  • ASP
    See Active Server Pages.
  • ASSP
    See Application Specific Standard Product.
  • asynchronous operation
    1. A process in a multitasking system whose execution can proceed independently or in the background. Other processes may be started before the asynchronous process has finished. 2. A data transmission method that allows characters to be sent at irregular intervals over a line by preceding each character with a start bit and following it with a stop bit. Comparesynchronous operation.
  • atomic operations
    Indicates that either all actions occur or none of them will.

B

  • boot
    The process a computer performs to load its operating system.
  • boot loader
    An application that is automatically run when a computer is switched on (booted). After first performing a few basic hardware tests, the boot loader loads and passes control to a larger loader application, which then typically loads the operating system.
  • bootable
    Contains the system files necessary for booting a device and running it.
  • bootstrap loader
    Seeboot loader.
  • branding
    OEM identification.
  • buffered I/O
    Stored data that is buffered in anticipation of another sequential read request.
  • build dependency
    The functional relationship between two components that controls the order in which components are built into an embedded run-time image. A build dependency does not cause the automatic inclusion of a component in an embedded run-time image.
  • build process
    The process of using the information in a configuration to construct an embedded run-time image. The output of the build process is defined by script contained in individual component object definitions, which are sometimes inherited from a prototype.

C

  • category group
    Used to collect components into functionally related categories as an organizational convenience. Category groups are used to organize components in the Windows XP Embedded user interface. See also group.
  • COM
    See Component Object Model.
  • COM class
    The definition of an object in code. In the Component Object Model, class refers to the general object definition, whereas in C++, the class of an object is a data type.
  • COM object
    A programming structure that includes both data and functionality. A COM object is defined and allocated as a single unit.
  • component
    The smallest individually selectable piece of functionality that can be included or excluded from an embedded run-time image, comprised of files, registry entries, and dependency information. It is the most basic element in a configuration.
  • Component Designer
    A development tool that enables you to create a custom component to add to the Windows XP Embedded component database.
  • component instance
    A specific instance of a component that is included within a configuration. A component instance is configured entirely by dynamic HTML. Each component instance consists of multiple components in an ordered chain of prototypes.
  • Component Object Model (COM)
    An open architecture for cross-platform development of client/server applications. COM is based on object-oriented technology as agreed upon by Digital Equipment Corporation and Microsoft Corporation. COM defines the interface, similar to an abstract base class, IUnknown, from which all COM-compatible classes are derived.
  • component prototype
    A component from which others are directly or indirectly derived. Windows XP Embedded uses an ordered chain of prototypes in component instances.
  • configuration
    A set of data that contains all the information necessary to build a Windows-based embedded run-time image, including which components to include. A configuration is contained in a file that has the .slx file extension.
  • configuration file
    A file that contains a configuration. Seesource code configuration file, configuration, and image configuration file.
  • configuration page
    Can be an HTML page on the Web user interface where the feature or component is set up.
  • configure
    The process of the user setting properties of a tool or device so that it operates correctly and according to user specifications.
  • conflict
    An incompatibility between components or capabilities, or when the same system resource has been allocated to multiple devices. Conflicts are defined in a component definition.
  • control
    A standardized child window on the screen that can be manipulated by the user to perform an action or display information. The most common controls are buttons that allow the user to select options and scroll bars that allow the user to move through a document or position text in a window.
  • control code
    One or more nonprinting characters used by a computer program to control the actions of a device.

D

  • data type
    A class of registry entry, which includes REG_BINARY, REG_DWORD, REG_EXPAND_SZ, REG_MULTI_SZ, and REG_NONE. See alsoDWORD.
  • Database Manager
    The tool that enables you to manage the component database and the repositories.
  • DDK
    See driver development kit.
  • de-bounce algorithm
    A set of instructions that makes an assumption about how fast a user can press and release a switch and then ensures that only one press is registered in the time specified.
  • delayed procedure call (DPC)
    A routine that checks specific parameters.
  • dependency
    A directed relationship between two objects, typically components or objects. For example, if resource A depends on resource B, then B is a dependency of A.
  • dependency group
    A type of dependency that allows a component to express a dependency on all components that belong to the group. See alsogroup.
  • direct memory access (DMA)
    Memory access that does not involve the microprocessor and is frequently used for data transfer directly between memory and an "intelligent" peripheral device, such as a disk drive.
  • DLL
    See dynamic-link library.
  • DMA
    See direct memory access.
  • DPC
    See delayed procedure call.
  • driver development kit (DDK)
    A set of tools and libraries that enable programmers to write Windows-based software used to run hardware devices, such as printers.
  • DWORD
    A data type composed of hexadecimal data with a maximum allotted space of 4 bytes.
  • dynamic-link library (DLL)
    A set of autonomous functions that any application can use. DLLs are a set of object code modules with each module containing a set of functions.

E

  • embedded
    Broadly, software code or commands built into a device, as opposed to software that is added. In a narrower sense, code that is typically stored in ROM and dedicated to either controlling a device or providing a specific functionality.
  • embedded run-time image
    The final output of the Windows XP Embedded authoring tools, which is the combination of operating system binaries, drivers, applications, services, and configuration data (typically in the system registry).
  • event viewer
    A tool that displays a log that reports critical and noncritical events.
  • extension key
    An entry in the registry, corresponding to the extension of a given file, that specifies which file filter will handle conversions for that file type.

F

  • focus
    1. A temporary property of a user interface object, such as a window, view, dialog box, or button, that permits the object to receive keyboard input from the user. 2. One of the two points that determine the shape of an ellipse. The sum of the distances between any point on the ellipse and each of the foci is constant.
  • form
    An ActiveX control container that you customize to create a user interface for your application. A form contains a collection of controls, such as speech controls, power list boxes, audio controls, and tabber controls. A form displays information on a screen.

G

  • gateway
    The address of a local IP router residing on the same network as the server appliance and that is used to forward traffic to destinations beyond the local network.
  • global variable
    A variable whose value can be accessed and modified by any statement in an application and not merely within a single routine in which it is defined.
  • globally unique identifier (GUID)
    A unique 128-bit value used to identify objects. See alsouniversally unique identifier.
  • group
    A collection of components that are grouped to express dependencies between components, to express user interface categories, or to bulk upgrade instances or component deletions. Groups include dependency, package, and category. See alsocategory group, dependency group, and package group.

H

  • hardware abstraction layer (HAL)
    Consists of hardware and device driver mechanisms that insulate applications from device-specific implementation details. If a capability requested by an application is not implemented by the current hardware, the capability will be emulated by the software.

    For Windows CE, see also OAL.

  • headless
    A system that does not have a keyboard, mouse, or video monitor during normal operation.

  • hive
    A section of the registry that is stored in a file on a computer's hard disk. Hives are located on a specified volume or in the user profiles.

  • host system
    The computer system that hosts the Windows XP Embedded development environment and authoring tools. This is the system on which the embedded run-time image is constructed.

I

  • IDE
    Seeintegrated development environment and Integrated Device Electronics.
  • IIS
    SeeInternet Information Services and Internet Information Servers.
  • image
    See embedded run-time image.
  • image configuration file
    A file that Makeimg.exe uses to create an operating system image. Image configuration files include .bib, .dat, .reg, .db, and .str files. See alsoconfiguration file.
  • image file
    A file that is generated by Romimage.exe that makes up the bits of the operating system image. An image file can be one of the following three formats: Windows CE binary image data format (.bin), Motorola 32-bit binary data format (.sre), or absolute binary data format (.abx).
  • implementation
    In Platform Builder, an implementation contains the functionality necessary to implement the features contained in a type. There can be more than one implementation for a given type. You use the Platform Builder Catalog and Component view to view implementations and to add them to a platform.
  • instantiate
    The process of creating a specific instance of a component within a configuration.
  • integrated development environment (IDE)
    In Microsoft Visual Studio, an integrated set of Windows-based tools for building, testing, and refining an application. The IDE includes a variety of editors, project build facilities, compilers, an incremental linker (for C++), a class viewer, and an integrated debugger. The IDE enables you to create, test, and refine your applications and Web sites all in one place.
  • Integrated Device Electronics (IDE)
    A type of disk-drive interface in which the controller electronics reside on the drive itself, eliminating the need for a separate adapter card.
  • Internet Information Servers (IIS)
    Software services that support Web site creation, configuration, and management, along with other Internet functions. Internet Information Servers include the Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), and Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP).
  • Internet Information Services (IIS)
    Microsoft’s brand of Web server software, using HTTP to deliver World Wide Web documents. IIS incorporates various functions for security, allows for CGI applications, and provides for Gopher and FTP servers. In versions 4.0 and earlier, IIS was named Internet Information Server.
  • interrupt priority
    One of three thread priority groups. Interrupt priority is reserved for operating system threads. See also idle priority and main priority.
  • interrupt service routine (ISR)
    A small subroutine that resides in the OEM adaptation layer (OAL). The ISR executes in kernel mode and has direct access to the hardware registers. Its sole job is to determine what interrupt identifier to return to the interrupt support handler. Essentially, ISRs map physical interrupts onto logical interrupts.
  • interrupt service thread (IST)
    A thread created by a device driver to wait on an event.
  • interrupt support handler
    A routine that registers a driver so that it can handle a particular interrupt and deregister it later. It also enables communication between the interrupt service routine, the interrupt service thread, and subroutines within the OEM adaptation layer (OAL) in Windows CE and the hardware abstraction layer (HAL) in Windows XP Embedded.
  • ISR
    See interrupt service routine.

J

There are no glossary terms that begin with this letter.

K

  • key
    1. A field or expression used to identify a record; often used as the index field for a database table. 2. The complete registry subkey path of a registry value.

L

  • LANGID
    See language identifier.
  • language identifier (LANGID)
    A standard international numeric abbreviation for a country or geographical region. An LANGID is a 16-bit value that consists of a primary language identifier and a secondary language identifier. A LANGID is constructed using the MAKELANGID macro. See alsolocale identifier.
  • locale identifier (LCID)
    A 32-bit value that consists of a language identifier and a sort identifier. In code, an LCID identifies the primary language and any secondary language of a specific locale. An LCID is constructed using the MAKELCID macro. See alsolanguage identifier.
  • localization
    The process of adapting an application for a specific international market, which includes translating the user interface, resizing dialog boxes, customizing features if necessary, and testing results to ensure that the application still functions properly.

M

  • message handler
    A Component Object Model (COM) object that implements the ITranslate interface in an in-process COM object.
  • message sink
    A callback function that receives messages for a form or a control. Forms or controls that need to be notified of messages implement a message sink.

N

There are no glossary terms that begin with this letter.

O

  • object definition
    Data that defines a discrete packets of functionality, called components, that can be included in the final run-time image. The functionality is expressed as a set of resources (files, registry entries, and dependency information), properties, and optional script.
  • object definition file
    A file that contains object definitions, including components. The component object definition file has the .sld file extension. In Windows NT Embedded 4.0, the file has the .kdf extension.
  • object type
    A name for a particular group of objects that are contained in a folder.
  • operating system image
    The executable file that contains the operating system. See alsorun-time image.

P

  • package
    A set of one or more components that are treated as a unit when they are either imported or exported to or from the Windows XP Embedded component database. See also group and package group.

  • package group
    Used to collect components together for administrative purposes, allowing a set of components to be managed as a single unit. Examples include upgrading all component instances to a new service pack or deleting all components in the group. See also group.

  • packet
    A unit of information transmitted as a whole from one device to another. A packet includes data and a header containing an identification number, source and destination addresses, and error-control data.

  • page file
    A file on the hard disk that holds parts of applications and data files that do not fit in memory. Data is moved from the page file to memory as needed and moved back to the page file to make room for new data. The paging file and physical memory, or RAM, comprise virtual memory. Also called a swap file.

  • partition
    A portion of a disk that functions as though it were physically separate.

  • persistent image
    A snapshot in time of the information stored on a selected volume or volumes. The persistent image can later be restored to the server appliance to replace lost data.

  • physical repository
    A location from which files are copied when building a run-time image.

  • platform
    Defines the type of target embedded run-time image being constructed. A platform defines a target operating system, CPU, and locale and is bound to one component database. When a configuration is created, the user selects a specific platform. For example, one platform might be Windows (x86)–US English.

  • Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP)
    A networking technology that supports multiprotocol virtual private networks (VPNs), enabling remote users to access corporate networks securely across the Internet. Using PPTP users can remotely run applications that are dependent on particular network protocols. See alsopacket.

  • PPTP
    See Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol.

  • process
    A running application that consists of a private virtual address space, code, data, and other operating system resources, such as files, pipes, and synchronization objects that are visible to the process. A process also contains one or more threads that run in the context of the process.

  • property
    With respect to the Windows XP Embedded component database, a property consists of component or object properties, including lists of resources and dependencies, group membership, version, and so on.

    With respect to the database API, a property refers to a data item that consists of a property identifier, data type, and value.

prototype

Seecomponent prototype.

Q

There are no glossary terms that begin with this letter.

R

  • Remote Access Service (RAS) server
    Any Windows NT–based server configured to run the Remote Access Service. See also Remote Access Service.
  • repository
    A storage area used as the source for all embedded run-time image files required during the build process. There may be multiple repositories for a single installation. Repositories may exist as folders (directories) or .cab files.
  • repository file source
    The location of repository files before import has taken place.
  • repository files
    The actual files stored in a repository.
  • repository object
    The database object in the component definition that logically defines a repository.
  • repository search path
    The path that specifies one or more repository servers or share locations where physical repositories are located.
  • resource
    An object that is used within an application but that is defined outside of the application.
  • run-time image (embedded)
    The final output of the Windows XP Embedded authoring tools, which is the combination of operating system binaries, drivers, applications, services, and configuration data (typically in the system registry).

S

  • script
    A set of instructions to an application or utility program. A script typically uses the rules and syntax of the application or utility. A script can also be called a macro. Common scripting languages are JavaScript and VBScript.
  • SDK
    Seesoftware development kit.
  • server appliance
    Fixed-function servers that are easier to install than general-purpose servers and eliminate post-purchase upgrade problems.
  • signature
    The operating system identification. For example, "$Windows NT$".
  • Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
    The network management protocol for TCP/IP.
  • SNMP
    See Simple Network Management Protocol.
  • software development kit
    A set of library, header, and Help files that you use to write applications for a specific platform.
  • source code configuration file
    A file that Build.exe uses to generate source code. A source code configuration file can be a dirs file, a sources file, or a makefile file.
  • symbol
    A name that represents a register, an absolute value, or a memory address (relative or absolute).
  • synchronous operation
    1. Two or more processes that depend on the occurrences of specific events such as common timing signals. 2. A data transmission method in which there is constant time between successive bits, characters, or events. The timing is achieved by the sharing of a single clock. Each end of the transmission synchronizes itself with the use of clocks and information sent along with the transmitted data. Characters are spaced by time and not by start and stop bits. 3. A function call that blocks execution of a process until it returns. See alsoasynchronous operation.

T

  • Target Analyzer
    The analysis tool you use with Target Designer to ensure that your run-time image supports the hardware on your embedded device. This tool has two parts: a probe that identifies the hardware information on your target device and an engine that constructs a configuration based on the information identified by the probe.
  • Target Designer
    The primary authoring tool that allows you to create, customize, and build a bootable run-time image.
  • target directory
    The path for installing a target system.
  • target drive
    The drive and path to which the target system loads.
  • target path
    See target directory.
  • target system
    The computer system on which the embedded run-time image executes.
  • Telephony API (TAPI)
    A set of functions in the Win32 API set that lets a computer communicate directly with telephone systems.
  • thread local storage (TLS)
    A Win32 mechanism that allows multiple threads of a process to store data that is unique for each thread. For example, a spreadsheet application can create a new instance of the same thread each time the user opens a new spreadsheet.
  • thread synchronization
    The method used to coordinate the execution of two or more threads. There are two states in synchronization: signaled and nonsignaled. Threads can either modify the state of the synchronization object or wait for the object to reach a signaled state.
  • Time to Live
    A header field for a packet sent over the Internet indicating how long the packet should be held.

U

  • Uniform Resource Locator (URL)
    The address of a resource on the Internet. URL syntax is in the form protocol://host/localinfo, where protocol specifies the means of returning the object, such as HTTP or FTP. Host specifies the remote location where the object resides and localinfo is a string, often a file name, passed to the protocol handler at the remote location. Also called a Uniform Resource Identifier.
  • URL
    See Uniform Resource Locator.

V

  • Value
    A data string in the registry.
  • VIGUID
    A version independent globally unique identifier (GUID). An identifier for a set of objects that represent different versions of the same principal. For example, VIGUID identifies the component as a specific DLL. The VIGUID remains constant for a component. See alsoglobally unique identifier.
  • VSGUID
    A version specific globally unique identifier (GUID). An identifier of a specific version of an object. The VSGUID for a component changes each time the component is upgraded to a newer version after the component definition is released. See alsoglobally unique identifier.

W

  • wait function
    A function that allows a thread to block its own execution. Wait functions do not return until the specified criteria have been met.
  • Win32
    The API in Windows 95, Windows NT, and Windows CE that enables applications to use the 32-bit instructions available on 80386 and higher processors.
  • Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)
    A management infrastructure that supports managing and controlling system resources through a common set of interfaces and provides a logically organized consistent model of Windows operation, configuration, and status. WMI was formerly WBEM (Web-Based Enterprise Management).
  • WMI
    See Windows Management Interface.
  • write filter
    A device that redirects write requests to a cache kept in RAM, enabling the embedded run-time image to run from any read-only media that emulates a disk drive or to write-protect any single disk partition. The write filter satisfies the read requests from either the underlying disk device or from the cache.

X

There are no glossary terms that begin with this letter.

Y

There are no glossary terms that begin with this letter.

Z

There are no glossary terms that begin with this letter.