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The i386 MicroprocessorThis section introduces some important properties of the Intel 386 CPU. The information presented here also applies to all higher CPUs compatible with the 386 (such as the 486, Pentium, Atom, Core i/3/5/7, etc.). This section only covers some general concepts of interest to most programmers, mainly to introduce terms used throughout the rest of this manual. Many subjects are not covered (e.g., hardware multitasking, gates, etc.). The i386 is a very complex processor; for a complete description, please refer to the 386TM DX Microprocessor Programmer's Reference Manual from Intel (order number 230985). The 386 can operate in one of three different modes described below; in addition, the basic mechanisms of address translation, memory protection, and interrupt handling are discussed.
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