The present invention concerns methods and apparatus for performing computer system maintenance and notification activities in an opportunistic manner during time periods identified by a user when the user expects not to be using the computer system. In methods and systems of the present invention, the user prioritizes computer system maintenance activities from high to low. When an opportunity arises to perform maintenance activities due to the user, for example, being away from the computer, the user specifies the length of time the user expects to be away from the computer using apparatus of the present invention. Methods of the present invention then initiate computer system maintenance activities beginning with the highest-priority maintenance activity that can be completed during the time period identified by the user. The method continues performing maintenance activities from highest to lowest priority for so long as there is enough time remaining to perform the next maintenance task. In the present invention notification activities using the computer system resource can be performed in an opportunistic manner. For example, in the present invention a user can specify a length of time the user expects to be away from the computer; during this period the computer system would automatically generate an “away from my desk” reply to anyone sending the user an e-mail.