The Windows CE operating system has been available to application programmers for over two years. Independent software vendors have been writing applications for platforms such as the Handheld PC ever since Windows CE was born. At the same time, original equipment manufacturers have been designing and implementing all kinds of new devices based on the operating system. But despite the growth of the operating system and the number of software developers writing applications for it, there are still only a handful of books on the subject of Windows CE programming.

My interest in writing this book comes from over two years of Windows CE programming experience. In this period I have been involved in a number of Windows CE development efforts. I am writing this book out of a desire to share with readers the insights I have gained from these experiences.

As the market for mobile and handheld computing devices continues to grow, Windows CE will continue to change. The features present in Windows CE today may not be there tomorrow. Windows CE features will be shaped by the demands of the users of the devices powered by the operating system.

But certain core technologies will always be a part of Windows CE. This book is a guide to programming these essential features of Windows CE programming. In particular, this book concentrates on unique the unique aspects of Windows CE persistent storage, user interface design, and desktop connectivity.