native mode


native mode

[′nād·iv ′mōd] (computer science) The mode of operation of a software product that is being used on a computer for which it was specifically designed, without use of an emulator. The mode of operation of a device that is carrying out the function for which it was designed and is not emulating another device.

native mode

(1) The normal running mode of a computer, executing programs from its built-in instruction set. Contrast with emulation mode. See native language.

(2) The highest performance state of a computer. For example, in the early days of the PC when 16-bit applications were common, running in 32-bit, 386 Protected Mode was the x86 chip's native mode.