A method and apparatus is presented that allows rapid switching between multiple
operating system environments on a single computer, through the use of a Super
Operating System operating between the computer
system's
firmware level and a plurality of bootable operating systems and applications. Relevant data, such as hardware controls, bootable operating systems, and applications
software, are grouped onto physical partitions in physical memory. Combinations of compatible partitions can be assigned to a cabinet to create a virtual computer
system. A given partition is assignable to multiple cabinets. By operating above the virtual computer systems, the Super
Operating System uses the suspend and resume functions of the
power management support functions to suspend and hybernate one operating virtual computer
system, while activating and operating an alternate virtual computer system on the same computer.