embedded XPLinux is the one mostly used embedded operating systems. The major reason behind is its being OPEN SOURCE. Before the introduction of Linux as embedded operating system the two big problems were associated with porting of an embedded system. With the development of an embedded system the developers were dependent on the OS Company for porting the embedded operating system. Being an open source LINUX eliminated this dependency. So any company can use Linux embedded operating system for the processor or developed product. One other great feature of Linux embedded operating system is its small footprint. It takes only 2MB to work. Embedded Linux is being used in number of products for the last 18 months or so. Here I have tried to categorize the products with embedded Linux.

• PDAs, Handheld computers
• Mobile phones
• Smartphones
• VOIP phones
• Audio and video entertainment devices
• Wireless access points
• Gateways and servers
• Thin clients
• Processors
• Integrated Circuits (SOC)
• Embedded single board computers
• Webpads and tablets
• Robots

Windows XP embedded (XPe)

Windows XP embedded is a customized version of Windows XP Professional. It provides complete WIN32 API support excluding overhead of XP professional edition. XPe has the ability to boot from CD-ROM or flash memory. XPe supports the devices with 32MB P-200 microprocessor, 32MB RAM and 32MB Compact FLASH. The targeted market includes IHVs, OEMs and ISYs. XPe works on X86 architecture. Most often XPe is used in set-top boxes, industrial robotics, ATMs, cash registers arcade and slot machines, thin clients, clocks and other appliances with X86 architectures.

Windows CE (WinCE)

Windows CE is an optimized version of Microsoft's windows to support embedded systems. Its kernel works on 1 megabytes of space. Therefore it is a good choice for embedded systems with minimal storage. It supports Intel x86 architecture and other that resembles such as MIPS, Hitachi SuperH and ARM processors. The Source Code is provided to the vendors. This allows them to adjust it according to the hardware. WinCE is mostly used in PDAs, Handheld PCs and smartphones. Windows mobile embedded operating system utilizes the features of WinCE and provides mobile application support.

ROM-DOS

ROM-DOS embedded operating systems provides support for DOS applications on embedded systems. With ROM-DOS one can run DOS application on embedded hardware. The feasibility for programmers is that they can run and test the applications on MS-DOS on standard PCs. Simply copy the required applications and transfer them to embedded system running ROM-DOS. It boots from ROM and almost instant on. You can find ROM-DOS in PC/104 computers or in some digital cameras.