"The embedded computing universe includes computers of all sizes, from tiny portable devices--such as wristwatch cameras--to systems having thousands of nodes distributed worldwide, as is the case with telecommunications switches. Embedded systems can be simple enough to require only small microcontrollers, or they may require massive parallel processors with prodigious amounts of memory and computing power. PDAs, microwaves, mobile phones and the like are a few typical examples.
"With the release of kernel 2.6, Linux now poses serious competition to major RTOS vendors, such as VxWorks and WinCE, in the embedded market space. Linux 2.6 introduces many new features that make it an excellent operating system for embedded computing. Among these new features are enhanced real-time performance, easier porting to new computers, support for large memory models, support for microcontrollers and an improved I/O system. In this two-part article, we look at the improvements in the 2.6 kernel that have empowered it to make a foray into the demanding world of embedded computing..."
