Abstract: A system and method is described to switch from a current computing mode to a next computing mode without the need to perform a lengthy computer reboot. Data integrity is maintained between computing modes such that data from a current mode cannot contaminate data in a next computing mode. When switching between a current computing mode and a next computing mode, the computer is placed into hibernation and context data that is necessary to resume computing in the current mode is saved to a preferably non-volatile storage. Then the computer is switched to the next computing mode, context data of the next mode is restored, and computing is resumed from the point where computing in the next mode was previously stopped.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for providing data security in a computer by creating computing modes between which there are no data communications. Each mode has its own hard disk drives, networks connections and phone line connections. A buss isolation unit connects each disk drive to a disk interface unit when enabled by its selection signal. An isolation unit connected to the computer is programmed with the various computing modes. The isolation unit provides power to the disk drives and mode selection signals to the bus isolation units as dictated by the selected computing mode. The isolation unit selects the networks and phone lines to be connected to the computer as required by the selected computing mode. To change computing modes the computer must first be powered off to insure that residual data is not carried over to the subsequent mode. Then the new mode is selected and the computer is powered back on.