A system and method is disclosed for synchronizing certain periodic activities and/or processes in a computer system or device. The synchronization allows more efficient use of the computer system's or device's processing capabilities, and may result in conservation of electrical power. In one example embodiment, a periodic scheduler is implemented to periodically verify the continued existence of critical processes operating in the computer system or device. Corrective, or other appropriate, action may be taken in the event of a failure of a critical process. A schedule list, which may be a linked list, may be used to track the periodic processes that are to occur. Upon registration of a critical process, the schedule list may be modified to synchronize the new periodic process with the existing schedule list.