The second generation of the Intel x86 family of CPU chips. The term may refer to the chip or to a PC that used it. Introduced in 1982, it was the successor to the 8088/8086 chips used in the first PCs. The 286 broke the infamous one-megabyte memory barrier, but although faster than the previous generation, it was never capable of supporting Windows and other graphics-based applications. See AT class and x86.

Technical Specs
Type: 16-bit multitasking microprocessor
Transistors: 134,000
Package: 68-pin PGA, PLCC or LCC
Registers: 15 16-bit
Real Mode: Performs as 8086 CPU; addresses 1MB memory.
Protected Mode: Addresses 16MB physical and 1GB virtual memory and provides access to memory protection.