One of the most used functions inside a Linux install that I use is the ability to use the keyboard commands CTRL+ALT+F(1-7) to switch between virtual terminals. For the most part all of my Linux installs are headless, meaning no graphical installations. I'm more comfortable inside Linux via the command line and find gnome, kde, and other window managers to slow me down. So, for those installs that do have a window manager I normally either SSH in or switch to a different virtual terminal if on the console.
Enter my problem. When using the VMware vSphere console on a Linux install simply throwing out a CTRL+ALT+F(1-7) does not work. As most of you may know, the CTRL+ALT combo is reserved from within the vSphere console in order to release the hold on the mouse and keyboard. So, in order to switch between those virtual terminals there is a little bit of a work around as it pertains to hot keys. What I have found, is that using the combination CTRL+ALT+SPACE+F2 will take you into a new virtual terminal. To return back to your x session, simply hit ALT+RIGHTARROW.
There may be other ways to do this, but I have found this to be the most consistent, so as always, leave me a comment below if I'm crazy or you have any other suggestions, concerns, thoughts, etc… Changing the keycode to release the mouse and keyboard from the VMs console is not really an option for me, I'm way too used to it. I'd love to hear from people as this is just one of those things that drives me a little nuts!
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