(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 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)