System and method for performing context checks

Abstract

A system and method is described which provides for context checking of an operating environment. A context manager controls the execution of context checks requested by applications or processes. In one embodiment, the context check modules are defined as self-contained modules located in a database. When the data base is opened, these modules are loaded and registered with the context manager. Upon occurrence of certain user actions, the context manager will issue an event to cause the appropriate modules to perform a context check of certain context of the environment. The resulting context information is stored in memory by the context manager and provided to the applications by the context manager when needed. One advantage is that the context checks performed can be changed simply by adding or deleting modules from the database. In other embodiments, context checking functions can also be provided by providing context files, which are loaded at initiation of the context manager and are independent of the database utilized, and by providing certain highly repeatable functions within the function of the context manager itself.