disclosed is a novel system and method for maintaining computing functionality when a client device must be used in a low - power state . more particularly , when a client device is placed in a low - power state , sleep mode , or even shut - down , this method transfers aspects of the machine state onto a virtual machine in the cloud . this virtual machine may then function as a partial or full emulator of the user &# 39 ; s client machine and thus can be : 1 ) accessed ; and 2 ) communicated with by the machine &# 39 ; s owner or others who use the machine . as long as the client device is shutdown , the cloud continues to temporarily function as the user &# 39 ; s machine . numerous embodiments are disclosed including a “ hybrid decomposition feature ” in which the data on the client machine is prioritized and then transfer to a server , typically a virtual emulator , component by component or piecemeal manner or manner .