CentOS Linux Server Guide

CentOS Login, Logout and Shutdown

Virtual Console/ Virtual Terminal

virtual console is a Unix liked feature where you can manipulate multiple text logins/ terminals using specific keys. In short, you able to have multiple screen (up to 6 TUI screen and 1 GUI screen) on a physical screen.

By default, if you are using GUI desktop (either GNOME or KDE), you will see the the following screen

Now, hold down [ALT]+[CTRL] then press F1, F2, F3...to F6 you will be redirected different virtual consoles.

press [ALT]+[CTRL]+F7 to back to above GUI screen.

Keys Virtual Terminal No.

[ALT]+[CTRL]+[F1] Virtual Terminal 1

[ALT]+[CTRL]+[F2] Virtual Terminal 2

[ALT]+[CTRL]+[F3] Virtual Terminal 3

[ALT]+[CTRL]+[F4] Virtual Terminal 4

[ALT]+[CTRL]+[F5] Virtual Terminal 5

[ALT]+[CTRL]+[F6] Virtual Terminal 6

[ALT]+[CTRL]+[F7] Back to GUI Terminal

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