The disclosure provides a mechanism which is activated when a user opts to hibernate their computer (at the end of the day) rather than switching it off. In particular, on receipt of a hibernate request, an embodiment provides a mechanism for determining whether (as a result of, for example, a distribution or installation of software to a computer) there are any outstanding reboot operations for the computer.If there are any outstanding reboot operations for the computer, an embodiment advises the user of the fact; and allows the user to reconsider whether or not they wish to shut the computer down (or reboot the computer), or hibernate the computer. An embodiment then reboots the computer or hibernates the computer in accordance with the user's wishes.