Linux Kernel in a Nutshell

Name

VT — Virtual terminal

Say yes here to get support for terminal devices with display and keyboard devices. These are called "virtual" because you can run several virtual terminals (also called virtual consoles) on one physical terminal.

You need at least one virtual terminal device in order to make use of your keyboard and monitor. Therefore, only people configuring an embedded system would want to say no here in order to save some memory; the only way to log into such a system is then via a serial or network connection.

Virtual terminals are useful because, for example, one virtual terminal can display system messages and warnings, another one can be used for a text-mode user session, and a third could run an X session, all in parallel. Switching between virtual terminals is done with certain key combinations, usually Alt-function key.

If you are unsure, say yes, or else you won't be able to do much with your Linux system.