> The 8086 and 80286 were so difficult to program, both in assembler and higher level languages. 286 protected modes, sure. 16-bit 8086, no way. difficulty of

> The 8086 and 80286 were so difficult to program, both in assembler and higher level languages. 286 protected modes, sure. 16-bit 8086, no way. difficulty of use did not hinder. celebrating proper 32-bit protected modes, absolutely agree. but x86 was still well liked and used and was not the clunker that 286 was.