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.