x86

What does x86 mean?

“x86” refers to a family of 16-bit and 32-Bit microprocessors originally developed by Intel in the 1970s. The term “x86” is derived from the name of the first microprocessor in the family, the Intel 8086.

x86 microprocessors are characterized by their use of a 16-bit or 32-bit data bus, and their support for a range of addressing modes and instruction sets. The x86 Architecture has been extended over time to include 64-bit microprocessors, which are known as “x86-64” or “x64.”

x86 microprocessors have been widely used in personal computers, servers, and embedded systems. They are known for their compatibility with a wide range of operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, Linux, and macOS. The x86 architecture has also been adopted by other manufacturers, such as AMD and VIA Technologies.

Applications

x86 microprocessors are used in a wide range of applications, including:

• Personal computers
• Servers
• Embedded systems
• Industrial control systems
• Medical devices
• Aerospace systems

x86 microprocessors are well-suited for these applications because they offer a combination of performance, compatibility, and affordability.

History

The x86 architecture was developed by Intel in the 1970s. The first x86 microprocessor, the Intel 8086, was released in 1978. The 8086 was a 16-bit microprocessor with a 8-Bit data bus. It was followed by the Intel 80186, which was released in 1979. The 80186 was a 16-bit microprocessor with a 16-bit data bus.

In 1982, Intel released the Intel 80286, which was the first x86 microprocessor with a 32-bit data bus. The 80286 was a significant improvement over the previous x86 microprocessors, and it quickly became the standard for personal computers.

In 1985, Intel released the Intel 80386, which was the first x86 microprocessor with a protected mode operating system. Protected mode operating systems allow for more efficient use of memory and provide better protection against software errors. The 80386 was a major breakthrough in the development of the x86 architecture, and it helped to make personal computers more powerful and reliable.

In 1989, Intel released the Intel 80486, which was the first x86 microprocessor with a built-in floating-point unit. Floating-point units are used to perform mathematical operations on real numbers. The 80486 was a significant improvement over the previous x86 microprocessors, and it helped to make personal computers more suitable for scientific and engineering applications.

In 2001, Intel released the Intel Pentium 4, which was the first x86 microprocessor with a 64-bit data bus. The Pentium 4 was a major breakthrough in the development of the x86 architecture, and it helped to make personal computers more powerful and capable.

The x86 architecture has continued to evolve over the years, and it remains the most popular microprocessor architecture in the world. Today, x86 microprocessors are used in a wide range of applications, from personal computers to servers to embedded systems.