Abstract: 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.

Abstract: This invention is a Graphic User Interface (GUI) that enables a user to virtualize the system and to define secondary storage physical devices through the graphical depiction of cabinets. The GUI allows the user to assign each cabinet a name, and to define the cabinet by its software, which may include single or multiple operating systems, programs and/or data files. The user is also allowed to manipulate (format, copy, resize, delete, zip) memory partitions in the secondary storage physical devices. The GUI also features graphically editable Internet hyperlinks for communication or remote management. Also, this invention uses a combination of Flash VOS VTOC and ACPI to perform “Cold Swaps” or “Context Switching”, which remove one active OS temporarily from all or part of memory and replace it with another active OS in all or part of memory. Information can be shared by multiple Operating Systems through the defined access to Shared Devices or Shared Partitions.

Abstract: A Storage Manager that dynamically manipulates and partitions the secondary storage of a computer device without re-writing or revising the secondary storage after each manipulation. The Storage Manager is represented by executable code between the firmware level and the run time operating system and application program level of a computer device. Means are provided to transfer control of the computer device to the Storage Manager prior to the run time operating system or application program gaining control of the computer device. Storage Manager includes a Virtual Table of Contents (VTOC), in which relevant identifying information is contained for each Partition of the secondary storage. At least one Cabinet is created, containing a list of Partitions. Each Cabinet can have a separate list of Partitions, and one Partition can be included in more than one Cabinet. One of the Cabinets is designated as an Active Cabinet. Upon continuation of the boot sequence, the contents (ie.