Component Types

  • Article

5/10/2007

Components fall into two main categories, which are described here, and four additional categories, which are described in the subtopics of this section.

Microsoft-Provided Components

Microsoft-provided components include the components that make up Windows XP Professional, as well as components specifically designed for embedded development. These components cannot be modified by using Component Designer, but they can sometimes be adjusted in Target Designer after they are added to a configuration. Microsoft-provided components are shipped in the component database.

Custom Components

Custom components can be provided by third parties and can also be created by using Component Designer. These components can be made from any software, typically applications, services, and device drivers. Custom components must be imported into the component database.

In This Section

  • Platform Base Component
    Describes the component that is automatically added to every configuration to provide minimum functionality required by the platform. This component is provided with the tools.
  • Prototype Components
    Describes the components upon which all other components are based. Both Microsoft-provided components and custom components can be used as prototypes.
  • Macro Components
    Describes a type of component that is used to group other components together. Macro components are provided with the tools and can also be created by using Component Designer.
  • End-of-Life Components
    Describes a component that has become obsolete but must be retained to fulfill dependencies upon it in existing configurations. Microsoft-provided components are sometimes set to end-of-life status, and custom components can be set to end-of-life status by using Component Designer.
  • Components
    Describes the individual units of functionality that make up a run-time image and the benefits of creating and using them.
  • Embedded Enabling Features
    Describes the Microsoft-provided components and features that are specifically designed to assist in embedded device deployment and management.