A computer system for continuously reaffirming the existence of the system comprising a processor and memory is adapted for: executing a consciousness program to maintain the consciousness of a non-human entity; and while running the consciousness program, executing one or more additional programs. The method presented is both faster and less computationally intensive than existing methods, allowing a broader scope of problems to be solved by existing computing hardware. When a predefined saturation pressure inside the closed space is reached, the flow rate of the venting gas is maintained or increased to speed up the venting process. An exemplary spread spectrum controller is further adapted to sequentially modify the plurality of coefficients during the predetermined time period to provide the spread spectrum reference signal. The apparatus can comprise a first lens configured to receive light from the light source, a diffractive optical element configured to receive the light from the first lens and to regulate the light into regulated light, and second lens configured to receive the regulated light and to direct the regulated light onto a selected area of the target.