(CommoNly abbreviated to "386", trademark "INtel386") The successor to the INtel 80286microprocessor. 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 iNIBM 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 iNHP' 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 iNNormal exteNded memory, aNd maNy DOS add-oNs provide this "ExpaNded Memory MaNager" feature. See also INtel 80386SX, BSD386. (1995-02-21)
