22.2 Virtual Consoles

Linux is a multiuser and multitasking system. The advantages of these features can be appreciated even on a stand-alone PC system. In text mode, there are six virtual consoles available. Switch between them using Alt F1 to Alt F6 . The seventh console is reserved for X and the tenth console shows kernel messages. More or fewer consoles can be assigned by modifying the file /etc/inittab.

To switch to a console from X without shutting it down, use Ctrl Alt F1 to Ctrl Alt F6 . To return to X, press Alt F7 .