dcsimg
Advertiser Disclosure
Advertiser Disclosure
Main » TERM » P »

protected mode



By Vangie Beal

Protected mode is a type of memory utilization available on Intel 80286 and later model microprocessors. In protected mode, these processors provide the following features:

  • protection: Each programcan be allocated a certain section of memory. Other programs cannot use this memory, so each program is protected from interference from other programs.
  • extended memory : Enables a single program to accessmore than 640K of memory.
  • virtual memory : Expands the address spaceto over 1GB.
  • multitasking : Enables the microprocessor to switch from one program to another so the computer can execute several programs at once.
    •

    Although the DOS operating system is not designed to take advantage of these features, some DOS programs can run in protected mode using special drivers. More sophisticated operating system, such as OS/2, Windows, or UNIX, have built-in support for protected mode.









    Related Links


    LATEST ARTICLES
    Texting & Chat Abbreviations

    From A3 to ZZZ this guide lists 1,500 text message and online chat abbreviations to help you translate and understand today's texting lingo. Read More »

    List of Well-Known TCP Port Numbers

    Port numbers 0 to 1024 are reserved for privileged services and designated as well-known ports. This list of port numbers  are specified in... Read More »

    STUDY GUIDES
    Computer Architecture Study Guide

    Computer architecture provides an introduction to system design basics for most computer science students. Read More »

    Network Fundamentals Study Guide

    Networking fundamentals teaches the building blocks of modern network design. Learn different types of networks, concepts, architecture and... Read More »

    The Five Generations of Computers

    Learn about each of the five generations of computers and major technology developments that have led to the computing devices that we use... Read More »


    Browse Technology Definitions: