Parineeth M Reddy is a computer science BE graduate currently working as a software engineer at Philips Software Centre, Bangalore. His research interests include networking and distributed computing.

Embedded systems differ from general purpose computers in many aspects. This article introduces the reader to embedded systems.

An embedded system is a microprocessor-based system that is incorporated into a device to monitor and control the functions of the components of the device. They are used in many devices ranging from a microwave oven to a nuclear reactor. Unlike personal computers that run a variety of applications, embedded systems are designed for performing specific tasks. An embedded system used in a device (for instance the embedded system in washing machine that is used to cycle through the various states of the washing machine) is programmed by the designers of the system and generally cannot be programmed by the end user. Embedded systems possess the following distinguishing qualities.

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Address for Correspondence

Parineeth M Reddy
3529, I Cross
13-H Main HAL 2nd Stage
Bangalore 560 008, India.
Email: parineeth@yahoo.com