Abstract.Ubiquitous computing is an ultra-interdisciplinary field. Because of its capacity to affect every sphere of human life, it is endowed with a wide range of characteristics and features. This paper attempts to describe the more salient and diverse features of Pervasive Computing in an organized manner that appreciates the multi-disciplinary nature of the field. Five categories: Setup, design, architecture, deployment and operations; interface; security; engineering and socio-economic; are used to systematically outline the current characteristics of Ubiquitous computing. Sample applications from the field of Ubicomp are also discussed to illustrate some of the characteristics of pervasive computing. Moreover, we have also tried to highlight the challenges and opportunities for implementing Pervasive Computing in the context of developing countries. .