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→Memory Design
The cache size and type, page size, levels of memory maps (one to three levels of indirection are common), and page attributes vary significantly between computer architectures.
== Execution State, Priviledge State, Rings, or Privilege Level ==
Most processors have multiple privilege levels so that certain instructions can only be executed by certain software. On a modern system, this typically includes a hypervisor level (for virtual machine management), operating system level, and user level, and the names and number of levels vary. The higher-privilege modes can set up memory maps and access devices which are not available to lower-privilege levels; this forces certain operations to be performed by the operating system or hypervisor so that security policies can be enforced.
== Interrupts and Exceptions ==