C

CA: See Certification Authority.
cabinet file: A self-contained file with a .cab extension used for application installation and setup. In a cabinet file, multiple files are compressed into one file. They are commonly found on Microsoft software distribution disks.
cache: A special memory subsystem in which frequently used data values are duplicated for quick access. A memory cache stores the contents of frequently accessed RAM locations and the addresses where this data is stored. When the processor references an address in memory, the cache checks to see whether it holds that address. If it does hold the address, the data is returned to the processor; if it does not hold the address, a regular memory access occurs. A cache is useful when RAM accesses are slow compared with the microprocessor speed, because cache memory is always faster than main RAM memory.
callback function: A function that receives messages from the operating system. Callback functions are application-defined.
caret: A flashing line, block, or bitmap that marks the location of the insertion point in a window's client area.
cascading menu: A hierarchical graphical menu system in which a side menu of subcategories is displayed when the pointer is placed on the main category.
cascading style sheets (CSS): The implementation of extended fonts and styles in HTML through the use of an external file usually indicated with a file name extension .css.
case match: A text search that matches the capitalization of the text string.
Catalog: In Platform Builder, an object that contains and displays all of the Windows CE operating system configurations, board support packages, transport layers, reference hardware drivers, and run-time libraries.
CCITT: See International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee.
CDF: See Channel Definition Format.
.cec file: A component file. Platform Builder imports this text file to describe meta information about components and their relationships. The .cec file format is a list of blocks and subblocks enclosed in parentheses. The blocks are: component type, implementation, and build method.
central processing unit (CPU): The computational and control unit of a computer. The CPU is the device that interprets and executes instructions. It has the ability to fetch, decode, and execute instructions and to transfer information to and from other resources over the computer's main data-transfer path, the bus. By definition, the CPU is the chip that functions as the "brain" of a computer. In some instances, however, the term encompasses both the processor and the computer's memory or, even more broadly, the main computer console, as opposed to peripheral equipment.
CEPC: A Windows CE PC-based hardware development platform. See also hardware development platform.
certificate: A packet of data containing a public key and identification information. Every certificate is created and signed by Certification Authorities.
Certification Authority (CA): An entity that attests to the identity of a person or an organization. The Certification Authority's primary function is to verify the identity of entities and issue digital certificates attesting to that identity.
Cesh: The Windows CE Debug Shell tool, Cesh.exe. This shell enables you to transfer an operating system image from the development workstation to the target platform and provides you with a set of commands to assist in debugging processes running on the target platform.
CFI: See Common Flash Interface Specification.
channel: A subscription to a Web site that conforms to the Channel Definition Format.
Channel Definition Format (CDF): A specification developed by Microsoft and presented to the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) that allows applications to send Web pages to users. Once a user subscribes to a CDF channel, any software that supports the CDF format automatically receives any new content posted on the channel's Web server. The default client subscription application for Internet channel broadcasting in Broadcast Architecture stores subscription information as .cdf files.
channel script: An application written in HTML that uses Visual Basic Script, JScript, Java Script, and other scripting languages to specify the layout and behavior of a channel.
channel synchronization: The process of first downloading Mobile Channels content into a cache using the standard Internet Explorer 4.0 channel retrieval mechanism and then transferring it onto a Windows CE–based device. Channel synchronization makes it possible for users to access Mobile Channels using either a Windows CE–based device without a radio module or a Windows-based desktop computer when the device is not readily available. See also Mobile Channels.
check box: An interactive control found in graphical user interfaces. Check boxes are used to enable or disable one or more features or options from a set. When an option is selected, an x or a check mark appears in the box.
child window: A window that has the WS_CHILD style. A child window always appears within the client area of its parent window.
chord: A combination of navigation controls used to perform a defined function. A chord is functionally similar to a keyboard accelerator. For example, on some Palm-size PCs, pressing and holding an Action button and then pressing an Exit button toggles the backlight.
CIFS: See Common Internet File System.
CIFS redirector: A module through which one computer gains access to another. Its function is to reestablish disrupted connections and to package and send remote file-system requests to host targets.
cipher mode: A method used to encrypt data.
ciphertext: Data that has been encrypted.
class identifier (CLSID): A universally unique identifier (UUID) that identifies a type of Component Object Model (COM) object. Each type of COM object item has its CLSID in the registry so that it can be loaded and used by other applications. For example, a spreadsheet may create worksheet items, chart items, and macrosheet items. Each of these item types has its own CLSID that uniquely identifies it to the system.
ClassView: A tab in the Project Workspace window that displays the C++ classes defined in a project. ClassView gives you visual access to the classes and members in your project, including interfaces and dialog box resources. Expanding the folders shows the classes and expanding a class shows its members.
client: 1. In object-oriented programming, a member of a class (group) that uses the services of another class to which it is not related. 2. A process, such as an application or task, that requests a service provided by another application. For example, a word processor that calls on a sort routine built into another application. The client process uses the requested service without having to know any working details about the other application or the service itself. 3. On a local area network or the Internet, a computer that accesses shared network resources provided by another computer, called a server.
client area: The portion of a window in which an application displays output, such as text or graphics. Also called client rectangle.
client coordinate: A coordinate that is relative to the upper-left corner of a window's client area.
clipping region: A subregion of the client area to which output is restricted. Clipping is used in Windows CE in a variety of ways. For example, word processing and spreadsheet applications clip keyboard input to keep it from appearing in the margins of a page or spreadsheet.
CLSID: See class identifier.
code element: The smallest component of a written language that has semantic value. See also codespace and code value.
code page: A file that the operating system uses to enable conversions from the ASCII character set to the Unicode character set. By default, Windows CE enables code page support based on the locales that are built into an operating system (OS) image. Each installed locale has exactly one ANSI-supported code page and one OEM-supported code page. When Windows CE changes a locale, it also changes the default ANSI and OEM code pages to match the new locale. Windows CE associates code pages to a given locale based on the code pages that are available on the system.
codespace: The logical grouping of code elements throughout the range of supported Unicode code values. See also code element and code value.
code value: A single 16-bit number assigned to each code element that is defined by the Unicode standard. When referred to in text, each code value is listed in hexadecimal form following the prefix U. See also code element and codespace.
COFF: See Common Object File Format.
cold boot: A startup process that begins with turning on the computer's power. Typically, a cold boot involves some basic hardware checking by the system, after which the operating system is loaded from disk into memory. Compare warm boot.
collection object: A group of related objects. See object.
COM: See Component Object Model.
COM class: The definition of an object in code. In COM, class refers to the general object definition, whereas in C++, the class of an object is a data type.
command prompt build window: A command prompt window on a development workstation that is opened by double-clicking on a window shortcut. In the command prompt build window, you can call the Build Demo tool, Blddemo.bat, to create Windows CE components, generate source code, copy files to a release directory, and make an operating system image. You can create command prompt build windows for any of your platforms. Also called build window. See also window shortcut.
commands block: A group of lines in a makefile file that contain one or more commands, each on its own line. No blank line can appear between the dependency or rule and the commands block. However, a line containing only spaces or tabs can appear; this line is interpreted as a null command, and no error occurs. Blank lines are permitted between command lines.
COM object: A programming structure that includes both data and functionality. A COM object is defined and allocated as a single unit. The only public access to a COM object is through the programming structure's interfaces. At a minimum, a COM object must support the IUnknown interface, which maintains the object's existence while it is being used and provides access to the object's other interfaces.
component: A group of related functions that implement a particular feature of the Windows CE operating system, for example printing. A component is a subset of a module. The feature set of a Windows CE–based platform depends on which modules and components it supports. In the Platform Builder integrated development environment (IDE), both modules and components are considered components. Platform view displays all of the components in a platform. See also module.
ComponentView: A tab in the Platform Workspace window that displays the components in a platform.
COM port: Short for communications port, the logical address assigned by MS-DOS versions 3.3 and later, and Microsoft Windows to each of the four serial ports on an IBM personal computer or an IBM PC–compatible computer. COM ports also have come to be known as the actual serial ports on a computer's CPU where peripherals, such as printers, scanners, and external modems, are plugged in.
combo box: A control that combines an edit control with a list box. This allows the user to type in an entry or choose one from the list.
command band: A rebar control with a fixed band at the top that contains a toolbar with a Close (X) button, an OK button, and optionally, a Help (?) button in the upper-right corner.
command bar: A control window that can contain buttons, combo boxes, and menu bars. Windows CE–based applications can use a command bar rather than a separate menu and toolbar to efficiently utilize available screen space.
common control: A standardized child window that an application uses in conjunction with another window to perform input/output tasks. A common control enables users to view and organize information and to set or change attributes and properties. Most common controls send the WM_NOTIFY message.
Common Flash Interface (CFI) Specification: A description that provides size and formatting information for linear flash memory.
Common Internet File System (CIFS): A standard proposed by Microsoft that would compete directly with Sun Microsystems' Web Network File System. A system of file sharing of Internet or intranet files.
Common Object File Format (COFF): In 32-bit programming, a format for executable and object files that is portable across platforms. The Microsoft implementation of COFF is derived from the UNIX specification for COFF, but includes additional headers for compatibility with the MS-DOS and 16-bit Windows operating systems. The Microsoft version is also called the portable executable (PE) file format.
Compact Flash: A group of related technologies for providing long-term storage through various types of nonvolatile memory.
Component Object Model (COM): An open architecture for cross-platform development of client/server applications. It is based on object-oriented technology as agreed upon by Digital Equipment Corporation and Microsoft Corporation. COM defines the interface, similar to an abstract base class, IUnknown, from which all COM-compatible classes are derived.
compound file: A number of individual files bound together in one physical file where each individual file can be accessed as if it were a single physical file.
configuration: 1.One of the preassembled Windows CE module and component combinations that are included in Platform Builder, for example, Minkern. 2. The type of executable file—release or debug—that Platform Builder creates when building a project.
configuration directory: The directory containing the directories and files for a Windows CE configuration.
configuration file: See source code configuration file, image configuration file.
connection-based session: A communications session that requires a connection to be established between hosts prior to an exchange of data.
connectionless session: A communications session that does not require a connection to be established between hosts prior to an exchange of data.
console application: 1. A program that runs from the operating system's command line, in character-mode, rather than from a graphical user interface. 2. In Platform Builder, a character-mode application that uses a console window for its input and output. If necessary, the operating system creates a new console window that exists until the application terminates.
console window: A window that allows user input and displays output for a console application. See console application.
Contacts database: A collection of names, addresses, telephone numbers, and other information stored on a Windows CE device by the Contacts application. The database is divided into a set of records called address cards. The database contains any number of address cards, limited only by the amount of memory available on the device.
container: A network resource that contains other resources.
continuous resistive touch panel: See touch screen.
Contract button: Restores a window in docked mode to its previous size. See also Expand button.
control: A standardized child window on the screen that can be manipulated by the user to perform an action or display information. The most common controls are buttons, which allow the user to select options, and scroll bars, which allow the user to move through a document or position text in a window.
control code: One or more nonprinting characters used by a computer program to control the actions of a device.
control identifier: A value that uniquely identifies a control.
control style: A value, similar to a window style, that specifies the appearance and behavior of a control. The window procedure for the control uses the style to determine how to draw the control and process input.
cookie: A block of data a Web server stores on a client system. When a Web client user returns to the Web server site, the browser sends a copy of the cookie to the server. Cookies identify users, instruct the server to send a customized version of the requested Web page, submit account data for the user, and fulfill other administrative purposes.
.cpp file: A text file containing C++ source code. See also .cxx file.
CPU: See central processing unit.
credential: Data used by a principal to establish the identity of the principal, such as a password or user name.
critical section: An object that protects a section of code from being accessed by more than one thread. A critical section is limited to only one process or dynamic-link library (DLL) and cannot be shared with other processes.
cryptographic service provider (CSP): An independent module that performs cryptographic operations, such as creating and destroying keys. A cryptographic service provider consists of, at a minimum, a dynamic-link library (DLL) and a signature file.
CSP: See cryptographic service provider.
CSS: See cascading style sheets.
cursor: A small bitmap whose location on the screen is controlled by a pointing device, such as a mouse, pen, or trackball. Some Windows CE–based platforms support only the wait cursor—the spinning hourglass.
custom command: A speech command that is trained by the user. A custom command has a speaker-dependent template.
.cxx file: A text file containing either C or C++ source code. See also .cpp file.