1. A method of updating tunables used in a kernel which remain persistent across computer reboots, comprising: updating a system file including tunables each having a tunable setting with a new tunable value in response to a single administrator request; simultaneously updating a persistent storage mechanism including tunables each having a tunable setting with the new tunable value in response to the single administrator request; changing a tunable value in the kernel with the new tunable value and continuing to run the computer with the updated tunable value.