Abstract: Disclosed is a processor having a normal execution mode and a host execution mode. A virtual machine monitor (VMM) operable in conjunction with the host execution mode creates at least one protected mode environment to operate guest software in a protected memory area. Responsive to a command to switch between protected modes, the VMM causes the processor to atomically switch between an original protected mode environment and a target protected mode environment. A virtual machine execution (VMX) mode may be utilized to enable virtual machine functionality for use in switching between protected modes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a processor having a normal execution mode and a secure execution mode to create a secure execution environment. A secure virtual machine monitor (SVMM) implements the secure execution environment in which a plurality of separate virtual machines are created that operate simultaneously and separately from one another including at least a first virtual machine to implement trusted guest software in a protected memory area and a second virtual machine to implement a non-trusted guest operating system (OS) simultaneously in a non-protected memory area. Responsive to a command to tear down the secure execution environment, the SVMM causes the processor to exit out of the secure execution mode, tears down the secure execution environment, and instructs the non-trusted guest OS to resume control in the normal execution mode.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for enhancing clipping a bit-packed glyph. A first clip value is determined if it is less than a first maximum value. If the first clip value exceeds the first maximum value, a second clip value and a third clip value are updated by a difference between the first clip value and the first maximum value, and the first clip value is replaced by the maximum value. Then, an address field value is updated by a predetermined address amount.