In Linux and other Unix-like operating systems, virtual consoles (VCs) are text-based consoles that allow you to interact with the operating system using a command-line interface.
Each virtual console is a separate terminal window that can be accessed by pressing a key combination such as Ctrl+Alt+F1 through Ctrl+Alt+F6. The default virtual console, which is accessed by pressing Ctrl+Alt+F1, is typically used for system administration tasks such as logging in and running commands. The other virtual consoles, numbered F2 through F6, can be used for other tasks such as running text-based applications or accessing the system log.
Virtual consoles are useful because they allow you to perform tasks on the command line without interrupting the graphical user interface (GUI). For example, if you are using a graphical desktop environment such as GNOME or KDE, you can switch to a virtual console to run commands or perform maintenance tasks without closing your GUI applications.
To switch between virtual consoles, you can use the key combination Ctrl+Alt+Fn, where n is the number of the virtual console you want to switch to. To switch back to the GUI, you can use the key combination Ctrl+Alt+F7.
Overall, virtual consoles are a useful feature of Linux and Unix that allow you to perform tasks on the command line while using a graphical desktop environment.