A method for managing requests for deferred updates to shared data elements while minimizing grace period detection overhead associated with determining whether pre-existing references to the data elements have been removed. Plural update requests that are eligible for grace period detection are buffered without performing grace period detection processing. One or more conditions that could warrant commencement of grace period detection processing are monitored while the update requests are buff...

Systems, especially operating systems, are becoming more complex to the point where maintaining them by humans is becoming nearly impossible. Many corporations have recognized this trend and have begun investing in autonomic technology. Autonomic technology allows a piece of software to monitor, diagnose, and repair itself. This can be used for improved performance, reliability, maintainability, security, etc. Disclosed herein is a mechanism to allow operating systems to hot swap a piece of oper...