Protected Mode Software Architecture helps readers understandthe problems that single-task and multitasking operating systems must dealwith, and then examines each component of both the real and protected modesoftware architectures. This book is organized into three parts. Part One:Background introduces the reader to the problems faced by a multitaskingoperating system. Part Two: Register Set and Real Mode provides anoverview of Real Mode operation. Part Three: Protected Mode takes abuilding-block approach to explaining the protection mechanisms andmultitasking capabilities of the post-286 Intel processors, includingsegmentation, virtual paging, the flat model, and virtual 8086 mode.

Protected Mode Software Architecture extends MindShare's coverage ofx86 processor architecture to the software environment and complements thepreviously published 80486 System Architecture and Pentium ProcessorSystem Architecture (both from Addison-Wesley).

If you design or test multitasking operating systems, real-time operatingsystems, or device drivers for these systems, Protected Mode SoftwareArchitecture is an essential, time-saving tool.

The PC System Architecture Series is a crisply written and comprehensiveset of guides to the most important PC hardware standards. Each title isdesigned to illustrate the relationship between the software and hardware andthoroughly explains the architecture, features, and operations of systems builtusing one particular type of chip or hardware specification.

MindShare, Inc., is one of the leading technical training companies in thecomputer industry, providing innovative courses for dozens of companies,including Intel, IBM, and Compaq.