Patent ID: 7464405
Filing Date: 2008-12-09
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method in a multi-partitioned computer data processing system for managing operating systems, the method comprising: receiving, by the multi-partitioned computer that is concurrently executing a plurality of different operating systems, a request from a particular operating system during the loading of the particular operating system in the multi-partitioned computer data processing system to register the particular operating system for access to hardware in the multi-partitioned computer data processing system, wherein the request includes a key code for the particular operating system operating system; responsive to receiving the request, determining whether the particular operating system is an authorized operating system using the key code; registering the particular operating system if the particular operating system is an authorized operating system; wherein the determining step includes: comparing the key code to a set of key codes for authorized operating systems; and determining whether a match is present between the key code and any key code in the set of key codes.