A method includes using processing circuitry and at least one memory configured to store a plurality of threads. The method includes providing an environment associated with an operating system to execute one or more threads of the plurality of threads. The environment includes a plurality of virtual priorities and a plurality of actual priorities. Each of the plurality of threads is allowed to select a virtual priority of the plurality of virtual priorities. The method also includes associating an actual priority of the plurality of actual priorities to one of the plurality of threads based on the plurality of virtual priorities assigned to the plurality of threads. The method also includes executing the one of the plurality of threads associated with the actual priority.