What is the difference between a physical console and a virtual console?
A physical console is the real keyboard and monitor wired to the machine; virtual consoles are several software terminals that take turns sharing that one physical screen.
There's exactly one physical console per machine — the literal hardware. What Linux adds on top is virtualisation of it: the kernel runs up to six independent text sessions and lets you switch which one is displayed with Ctrl+Alt+F1–F6. They all share the same screen and keyboard, but each is its own login.
| Aspect | Physical | Virtual (TTY) |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | The actual keyboard/monitor | All share that one set |
| How you reach it | Stand in front of the machine | Ctrl+Alt+F1–F6 |
| How many | One | Several (tty1–tty6 by default) |
| Typical use | Datacentre / emergency | Multiple sessions, troubleshooting |
Why bother with virtual consoles when SSH exists? Because SSH needs the network and a working login service. If those are broken — bad network config, a service that won't start — a virtual console is your lifeline: it's local, needs no network, and is usually still up even when everything else is down.
Fun fact: The text consoles are always running, even while you're in the GNOME desktop. The desktop just occupies one of the virtual consoles; the others sit there ready, which is why Ctrl+Alt+F3 instantly gives you a text login mid-session.
Key distinction: Remote servers have no usable physical console for you, so SSH is the only door. A virtual console only helps someone with local access.