processor (Commonly abbreviated to "386", trademark "Intel386") The successor to the
Intel 80286 microprocessor. It was the first Intel processor with 32-bit data and address
busses. It can address four
gigabytes (2^32 bytes) of memory; however, 16 megabytes is a typical maximum in IBM PCs. The 386 allows multiple
application programs to run at the same time (when running under 386-specific
operating systems) using "
protected mode".
The first
IBM compatible to use the 386 was the Compaq 386, before
IBM used it in high-end models of their
PS/2 series. It is also used in
HP's
RS series and many others.
It does not require special
EMS memory boards to expand
MS-DOS memory limits. With the 386, the EMS standard can be simulated in normal
extended memory, and many DOS add-ons provide this "Expanded Memory Manager" feature.
See also
Intel 80386SX,
BSD386.
(1995-02-21)