Method and apparatus for logging the execution history of an operating system kernel

A system for executing a computer program comprising:

• one or more processors capable of executing an instruction sequence;
• command interface capable of receiving an event enable command;
• memory capable of storing one or more instruction sequences;
• and
• kernel stored in the memory that includes a kernel event description and further comprising one or more instruction sequences including:
• scheduler that, when executed by the processor, minimally causes the processor to execute at least one of a user application, a component included in the kernel and an object included in a component included in the kernel;
• event enable module that, when executed by the processor, minimally causes the processor to receive an event enable command by means of the command interface and further minimally causes the processor to enable a kernel event according to the event enable command;
• and
• event logging module that, when executed by the processor, minimally causes the processor to log a description of a kernel event when the kernel event occurs and when the kernel event is enabled.

A computer readable medium having imparted thereon one or more instruction sequences for managing the execution of a computer program including:

• kernel that includes a kernel event description and further comprising one or more instruction sequences including:
• scheduler that, when executed by a processor, minimally causes a processor to execute at least one of a user application, a component included in the kernel and an object included in a component included in the kernel;
• event enable module that, when executed by a processor, minimally causes a processor to receive an event enable command by means of a command interface and further minimally causes a processor to enable a kernel event according to a received event enable command;
• and
• event logging module that, when executed by a processor, minimally causes a processor to log a description of a kernel event when the kernel event occurs and when the kernel event is enabled.

A system for executing a computer program comprising:

• means for executing a computer program;
• means for describing an event included in the means for executing the computer program;
• means for enabling a described event while the means for executing a computer program is operating;
• and
• means for logging a described event when the described event is enabled and when the described event occurs.