# Tools

## setterm

Use for terminal attributes and VT-specific controls.

Research:

```sh
man setterm | col -b
setterm --help
```

Common scopes:

- foreground/background/rendering attrs:
  current terminal stream
- `--store`:
  stored defaults for reset-to-default on virtual consoles
- blanking, bell, repeat, kernel messages:
  virtual-console-specific controls

State exact scope before changing.

## loadkeys / dumpkeys / showkey / keymaps

Use for kernel console keyboard maps, not XKB/X11/Wayland.

Research:

```sh
man loadkeys | col -b
man keymaps | col -b
man dumpkeys | col -b
man showkey | col -b
dumpkeys | head
```

Critical scope:
`loadkeys` changes the kernel keymap used by virtual consoles; check local docs
for exact reach and permissions.

Rollback idea:

```sh
loadkeys --default
```

Verify with local docs before presenting as final rollback.

## setfont

Use for Linux console fonts and Unicode maps.

Research:

```sh
man setfont | col -b
ls /usr/share/kbd/consolefonts 2>/dev/null | head
```

Important:

- PSF fonts are common.
- Font/glyph choices can affect color availability.
- `-O` can save previous font/map.
- `-C` can target a console device; permissions vary.

## vconsole.conf / localectl / systemd-vconsole-setup

Use for boot/persistent virtual-console keyboard/font config on systemd systems.

Research:

```sh
man vconsole.conf | col -b
man localectl | col -b
man systemd-vconsole-setup.service | col -b
```

State persistence and privilege needs before editing.

## Palette / colors

Research:

```sh
man console_codes | col -b
man setterm | col -b
infocmp -1 linux | grep -E 'initc|oc|op|setaf|setab'
```

Linux console color behavior is not the same as graphical terminal emulators.
Verify palette, SGR, and reset behavior locally.