The Linux console provides a way for the kernel and other processes to output text-based messages to the user, and to receive text-based input from the user. In Linux, several devices can be used as system console: a virtual terminal, serial port, USB serial port, VGA in text-mode, framebuffer.

How do I use console in Linux?

They all can be accessed using the key combination Ctrl + Alt + FN#Console. For example, the Console #3 is accessed by pressing Ctrl + Alt + F3. Note The Console #7 is usually allocated to the graphical environment (Xorg, etc.). If you are running a desktop environment, you may want to use a terminal emulator instead.

What is difference between terminal and console?

The term terminal can also refer to a device that allows users to interact with computers, typically via a keyboard and display. A console is a physical terminal that is the primary terminal that is directly connected to a machine. The console is recognized by the operating system as a (kernel-implemented) terminal.