ZDNet Definition for: Virtual 8086 Mode

An operational state in an Intel CPU that allows it to perform as multiple 8086/8088 CPUs, which was the architecture of the first x86 chip. Starting with the 386 in 1985, the mode was created to multitask multiple DOS "Real Mode" applications side by side with 32-bit Windows applications. Virtual 8086 Mode divides the computer into multiple address spaces and maintains virtual registers for each virtual machine.

Note: Virtual 8086 Mode is a type of "virtual machine" mode, not a "virtual memory" mode, which extends main memory to disk. See virtual machine, virtual memory and Virtual DOS Machine.




Virtual 8086 Mode in Windows Vista
This dBASE III order entry program is running in ExDOS on Vista. ExDOS is a virtual machine from Tao Computing Solutions (www.taocomputers.com) that uses the Virtual 8086 Mode along with support for peripherals such as USB printers (see ExDOS).

Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.