1. A method comprising: executing, within a kernel of an operating system a kernel extension module representing a subsystem of the operating system; the kernel extension module maintaining a plurality of sub-modules wherein each sub-module of the plurality of sub-modules is configured to detect a respective one or more conditions and cause execution of a respective one or more corresponding actions when the one or more conditions are met; the kernel extension module receiving a command from an administrative configuration tool executing in user space which specifies to modify the respective one or more conditions of a particular sub-module of the plurality of sub-modules; the kernel extension module modifying the respective one or more conditions of the particular sub-module based on the command, wherein the modifying occurs while the kernel extension module is still executing within the kernel of the operating system; the kernel extension module receiving a request to perform a task on behalf of a first application, wherein the kernel extension module defines one or more default actions for the task that are different than the respective one or more corresponding actions of the particular sub-module; in response to a determination that the request meets the respective one or more conditions of the particular sub-module, the kernel extension module performing the respective one or more corresponding actions of the particular sub-module in addition to the default actions; wherein the respective corresponding actions of the particular sub-module involve collecting information related to performance of the one or more default actions by the subsystem; storing at least the information in a memory location that is accessible to a second application; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices.