the problems that single-task and multitasking operating systems must deal with, and then examines each component of both the real and protected mode software architectures. This book is organized into three parts. Part One: Background introduces the reader to the problems faced by a multitasking operating system. Part Two: Register Set and Real Mode provides an overview of Real Mode operation. Part Three: Protected Mode takes a building-block approach to explaining the protection mechanisms and multitasking capabilities of the post-286 Intel processors, including segmentation, virtual paging, the flat model, and virtual 8086 mode. Protected Mode Software Architecture extends MindShares coverage of x86 processor architecture to the software environment and complements the previously published 80486 System Architecture and Pentium Processor System Architecture (both from Addison-Wesley). If you design or test multitasking operating systems, real-time operating systems, or device drivers for these systems, Protected Mode Software Architecture is an essential, time-saving tool. The PC System Architecture Series is a crisply written and comprehensive set of guides to the most important