Re: Which OS in my case

No Answers but more questions.

First, I'm a Windows Delphi and BP/Dos programmer, not an professional
engineer.

I have the same dilemma.  For a simple remote datalogging project (used
within our own company only) using a 586-133 SBC and PC104 ADC, collecting
10-30 (configurable) samples per second from 32 channels, and then about 50
Modbus Device channels @ 1 per 10 Seconds.

Simple setup,User dials into system via GSM Modem and collects information.
No GUI on the Remote Black Box.

I have Delphi, and I have BP7 with tons of Turbopowers Libraries.  On the
remote end, I elected using ROMDOS and BP7
and then Delphi for the GUI on the other side.  Simple and Fast.

Concerns from my company.  Mention the word DOS and they have a cow. Future
Product Life concerns.
My Concerns with a Dos/BP product
- Project easily done in BP7/RomDos
- BP7 is no longer supported, Fast computer issues.
- Turbopowers is now out of business, however I am very familiar with the
usage and have all source.
- Had to write the majority of all the drivers for modbus, Pc104 cards, and
Misc.
- Already have several thousand lines of code written (Can start over)
- Can't Easily use TCP/IP, USB, or some of the new hardware (That I know of)

They would like me to consider using a embedded Windows design.
Again my concerns...(almost doubles the cost of the project)
- Don't know C++ so a lot of the tools aren't usable for me.
- Port writing - is this like NT and I have to battle port issues or will
Delphi components work fine.
- XP is huge and bulky and requires much more Horsepower that really isn't
needed.  Honestly don't know much about the   embedded version.  May try the
Demo.
- Instant power on and off capability required, in Windows that's scary.
How well does XP handle this?
- Huge footprint (Disk/Flash Space), what is the smallest install ?
- Memory requirements
- Windows License cost
- Timing Issues


Embedded Linux might be the answer, or CE, I'm not sure because I have no
experience with either one.

Another possibility is Embedded 98 by PCLite, and use Delphi for the 32 bit
code for the black box.  I'm not sure how portable this code will be later
to other windows versions and I'm not sure how popular embedded 98 is or
was.  It does seem to keep the footprint much smaller (10 megs) and will run
okay on the 586-133.

I still have tons of research to do and it's not too late for me to go
embedded windows if I must.
Sorry to ramble, input is appreciated.




"Mark" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Hi all,
>
> Still searching for answers on the web before we start off with this 'new
> terminal' thingy.
> I can keep it simple saying the specs for that terminal are like a bus
> system, PC104 would be close enough.
> We are a 20 employee company specialised in data-communication for
> transport-industries. All of wich are service,finance,project,sales and
> ofcourse R&D-employees.
> We want to use make software:
> 1. Stable
> 2. Driver-support
> 3. Short time to market
> 4. Nice user interface.
>
> Out of three software-developpers 1 is used to design/build server-side
> Delphi-apps for Windows.
> Another is used to design/build embedded C for the old 8-bit client. The
> third only builds.
>
> So now my question: LINUX or WINDOWS CE?
>
> Please some help would be nice.