The FreeBSD System Console

The FreeBSD system console has a number of features that can help you get things done faster. Below are brief descriptions of some of them. More detailed information can be obtained by running ``man vidcontrol'', ``man kbdcontrol'', ``man 4 keyboard'', and ``man 4 screen''.

Virtual Screens

The FreeBSD system console provides you with four virtual screens, which is like having four terminals rolled into one. To switch between these four screens, hold down the ALT key and press one of the function keys F1, F2, F3, F4.

NOTE: If the X Window System is running, it will be necessary to hold down both the CTRL key and the ALT key while pressing the desired function key. The X Window System uses an additional graphical virtual screen that can be accessed using the F5 function key. So, if you are running X, you can switch to the second text screen by typing CTRL-ALT-F2, and then you can go back to X by typing ALT-F5.

Screen Resolution under X

The X Window system has been preconfigured for the hardware that exists on each of the workstations. Two basic display modes are provided: a default is an 800x600 mode, and an alternate 1024x768 mode. When you start X, it will come up in the default mode. To change to the alternate mode, hold down the CTRL and ALT keys and press the + key on the numeric keypad at the right of the keyboard. Pressing CTRL-ALT-+ repeatedly will cycle you through the available modes (of which there are currently only two).

Scrolling the Screen Back

In text mode, the FreeBSD has a limited capability for scrolling back output that has gone off the screen. To activate this mode, hold down the ALT key and press the Scroll Lock key. The cursor will disappear, indicating that the scrolling mode has been activated. Now use the Page Up, Page Down, and arrow keys to scroll the screen. When you are finished, type ALT-Scroll Lock again to go back to normal operation.

Font Size, Colors, etc.

The vidcontrol command allows you to change between various font sizes for the system console, and also to do things like changing the foreground and background colors. Run ``man vidcontrol'' for more information.

Keyboard Properties

The kbdcontrol command allows you to change various properties of the keyboard, such as the mapping of the keys. Run ``man kbdcontrol'' for more information.

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