Abstract: This invention provides a universal interface system that is capable of launching software applications across operating system platforms. For example, the universal interface system allows a computer using a Microsoft Windows operating system to launch and execute software applications that were written for a UNIX operating system environment. Conversely, the universal interface system allows software applications written for a Linux operating system environment to be launched and operating in a Sun Solaris operating system environment. The universal interface system may interface between the BIOS and the operating system or operate on top of the operating system.