Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

Intel 80386
     
         (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 {bus}ses.  It can address four
        {gigabytes} (2^32 bytes) of memory; however, 16 megabytes is a
        typical maximum in {IBM PC}s.  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)