An OS design is generally known as a Visual Studio project workspace to develop Windows Embedded Compact OS runtime image.

For Compact 2013, an OS design is a Platform Builder project within the Visual Studio 2012 IDE.  It’s a project workspace to develop custom OS runtime image, native code application and device driver for a targeted device.

An OS design project includes the following components:

·         Board support package (BSP)

BSP for a Compact 2013 device typically includes the hardware adaptation codes and device drivers to support its built-in peripherals.  A good BSP greatly simplifies the effort needed to develop a custom OS runtime image for the device.

·         Operating system components

Operating system components to support the needed functions, which may include file system, networking, programming libraries and etc.

Compact 2013 is a componentized OS that enables the developer to include needed components to the image and exclude unnecessary components to minimize OS footprint.

·         Device drivers for add-on peripheral

To support add-on peripherals that are not built as part of the device, additional device drivers need to be included to the OS runtime image.

·         Application and associated software libraries

Application and associated software libraries for the device which are key components that deliver the device’s function.

·         OS runtime image configuration files

These configuration files include data and settings for the build engine to compile the OS runtime image for the device, which include the following:

§  Binary image builder file (.bib)

§  File system file (.dat)

§  Database file (.db)

·         Registry file

Registry is one of the important elements and play a key role in controlling device driver and application loading sequence and behavior.