In this article, we will discuss a blog series on implementing Windows on Arm (WoA) using Advantech hardware. The blog series is authored by Rich Nass, the Executive Vice President of Embedded Computing Design.
The blog series is divided into multiple parts, with this article being Part III. In the first part, the benefits of implementing Windows on Arm were explained, and in Part II, the advantages of using Advantech hardware were discussed. Now, in Part III, the focus is on the steps required to deploy Windows IoT on Advantech Arm-based hardware.
Windows on Arm brings the Windows operating system to Arm-based hardware, offering superior power efficiency, fast boot-up times, and advanced security features. By running Windows apps directly on Arm-based machines, development time and effort can be reduced.
The functionality of Windows on Arm is similar to that of the traditional Windows OS. As more native apps become available, the user experience will continue to improve. Native apps such as Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Adobe Photoshop, Netflix, VLC, and Zoom are already available.
The implementation of Windows on Arm using Advantech hardware involves several steps and considerations. Advantech offers a wide range of hardware solutions, so the exact steps may vary based on the specific requirements of the application. Most Windows applications are developed in Visual Studio, allowing engineers to run and test software features in the Arm environment through simulation.
The general steps for implementation are as follows:
1. Pick hardware that meets the application’s requirements and is compatible with Windows on Arm.
2. Download Windows on Arm from Microsoft or directly from Advantech.
3. Prepare the installation media by creating a bootable USB drive with the Windows on Arm installation files.
4. Access the hardware’s BIOS/UEFI settings and configure it to boot from the USB drive.
5. Install the Windows on Arm OS by following the on-screen instructions and selecting the installation partition.
6. Install any additional software or applications required for the application.
7. Test the system thoroughly to ensure everything is working as expected.
8. Implement security measures such as antivirus software and firewall settings.
It’s important to note that the steps may vary based on the chosen hardware, and Advantech has already done some of the software pre-configuration. Consulting with Advantech’s technical support or community forums can help with any hardware-specific issues during the implementation process.
The benefits of Windows on Arm have been highlighted throughout the blog series, but it is recommended to consider all pros and cons before making a final purchase. While Windows on Arm offers portability and power efficiency, performance may be slower for certain compute-intensive applications compared to x86 devices.
In conclusion, the