In linux (I'm using archlinux), what is the point of those other virtual consoles (tty1, tty2, etc.) that you access using alt+f1 for tty1, alt+f2 for tty2.?

Question

anonymous · Answer

when some external devices are connected to our systems through this tty you expect their result to be output through their respective tty (if required).Im not sure correct me if i am wrong

farmdawgnation · Answer

I don't know the original purpose, but I like to think of it as a poor substitute for GNU screen. haha. Allows you to do more than one thing at a time.

anonymous · Answer

That's exactly what I use it for; application on one, manpage of the application on another, browser on another, etc.... but is that it? lol

shadowfiend · Answer

Yes, that's the most basic use. It was always incredibly handy in my experience ;)

Keep in mind also that F7-F12 let you run different X servers, using screens :0, :1, :2, etc.

anonymous · Answer

it's very good when you play with system files and make some mistake, so you just go and login with another account and if it fails you may return to original account and fix mistake or just restore to original condition
and idk about arch linux but in some linux distribution you may have more than 1 desktop so in 1 desktop you can program in other use browser and etc and its easier and faster to change desktop