What Does Windows Embedded Mean?

Infopackets Reader Darren F. writes:

" Dear Dennis,

I was watching Tech TV recently, and there was reference made to a program that is capable of making a 'preinstalled environment' bootable Windows XP CD-ROM.

I decided to do some research on the topic, and kept coming across discussion boards where people constantly made reference to something called 'Windows Embedded'. I don't quite understand what this is and was wondering if you could explain it the term? "

My response:

From what I understand, the Windows Embedded technology automates the installation of Windows. Basically, this allows you to take a "generic" image and deploy it across multiple machines which consist of the same hardware layout.

For example: Let's say you're the CEO of an electronics manufacturing company, and your firm assembles 500 devices each day. Using the Windows Embedded technology, you could "pre-package" and deploy a Windows installation specific for these devices -- without the need to install Windows separately (as you would on your own PC).

Side note: A little while back, I wrote a very informative article about Disk Imaging. If you are intrigued by this technology and would like to learn more, you can read the review here. For more info on Windows Embedded technology, visit the Microsoft web site.

Update 2004/30/ 2004: This article has been updated. Click here to read!