Chapter 20. Programming Virtual Consoles

The Linux virtual console programming interface is modeled on the one provided with some versions of UNIX. It is not a complete reimplementation (although it is complete enough for source code compatibility with almost all programs), and it provides several valuable extensions.

Linux can multiplex multiple terminal sessions over one screen and one keyboard. Special key sequences allow the user to control which terminal session is currently being displayed. Each of these login sessions has its own keyboard settings (such as whether the Caps Lock key is engaged), terminal settings (such as what the terminal size is, whether the screen is in graphics mode, and what the fonts are), and device entries (such as ...

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