CS ACADEMY
INTRODUCTION TO INTEL X-86 FAMILY
1. Evolution of the x86 Family
The x86 family represents a significant advancement from early 8-bit microprocessors like the
8080 and 8085. The evolution progressed through several key stages:
16-bit Transition: The 8086 and 8088 marked the beginning of this era.
Generational Growth: Subsequent versions included the 80286, 80386,
and 80486. In each generation, the internal bus and register sizes typically
doubled, increasing the processing power.
Pentium Series: The series eventually led to the Pentium processors, which
were categorized as powerful computing devices for commercial and general-
purpose use.
2. Key Features of Advanced Microprocessors
Advanced microprocessors introduced several capabilities that were not present in earlier
versions:
Numeric Coprocessors: To increase speed, advanced computers often used
two processors—a main processor for general tasks (like managing the OS)
and a numeric coprocessor specifically for complex mathematical
calculations.
Graphics Support: Unlike older "black and white" computers, these
processors provided the necessary support for graphics.
Multi-user and Multi-tasking: These systems were designed to support
multiple users simultaneously and allow for multitasking, where various
applications could run at once.
It can perform addidtion subtraction multiplication and division and
other functions such as logarithm , square root and trignomertic
calculations.
Products using advanced microprocessor also require complex chasis and
mechanism. Hence they require complex Operating systems.
Advanced MP provides Supervisory , protected and privileged mode.
3. Memory Management and Security
As hardware became more complex, new techniques were required to manage resources:
Virtual Memory: This technique allows a computer to use its disk space as
extra RAM. This is achieved through a combination of special hardware,
software, and specific instructions.
Privilege Levels: Systems utilize levels of "privilege" to protect data. The
Kernel is the most internal, privileged level (closest to the hardware),
followed by the Operating System, and finally the application layer where
users interact.
Data Protection: Especially in multi-user environments, these systems use
data protection techniques to ensure that one user's data does not interfere
with another's.
4. Examination Context
INTRODUCTION TO INTEL X-86 FAMILY
1. Evolution of the x86 Family
The x86 family represents a significant advancement from early 8-bit microprocessors like the
8080 and 8085. The evolution progressed through several key stages:
16-bit Transition: The 8086 and 8088 marked the beginning of this era.
Generational Growth: Subsequent versions included the 80286, 80386,
and 80486. In each generation, the internal bus and register sizes typically
doubled, increasing the processing power.
Pentium Series: The series eventually led to the Pentium processors, which
were categorized as powerful computing devices for commercial and general-
purpose use.
2. Key Features of Advanced Microprocessors
Advanced microprocessors introduced several capabilities that were not present in earlier
versions:
Numeric Coprocessors: To increase speed, advanced computers often used
two processors—a main processor for general tasks (like managing the OS)
and a numeric coprocessor specifically for complex mathematical
calculations.
Graphics Support: Unlike older "black and white" computers, these
processors provided the necessary support for graphics.
Multi-user and Multi-tasking: These systems were designed to support
multiple users simultaneously and allow for multitasking, where various
applications could run at once.
It can perform addidtion subtraction multiplication and division and
other functions such as logarithm , square root and trignomertic
calculations.
Products using advanced microprocessor also require complex chasis and
mechanism. Hence they require complex Operating systems.
Advanced MP provides Supervisory , protected and privileged mode.
3. Memory Management and Security
As hardware became more complex, new techniques were required to manage resources:
Virtual Memory: This technique allows a computer to use its disk space as
extra RAM. This is achieved through a combination of special hardware,
software, and specific instructions.
Privilege Levels: Systems utilize levels of "privilege" to protect data. The
Kernel is the most internal, privileged level (closest to the hardware),
followed by the Operating System, and finally the application layer where
users interact.
Data Protection: Especially in multi-user environments, these systems use
data protection techniques to ensure that one user's data does not interfere
with another's.
4. Examination Context
