Linux command-line program that switches consoles?

Question

For whatever reason, the "Ctrl-Alt-Fn" sequence has no effect on one of my Ubuntu machines; the sequence is interpreted as ordinary input. I need to get the system to a console because I'm trying to do a dist-upgrade and that's going to bounce gdm etc.

Is there some command-line tool that can be used to switch consoles? I have some vague distant memory of that being possible.

(I'm running Ubunty Jaunty at the moment. Yes I know it's old; I'm trying to march forward.)

Answer 1

I think the answer here which suggests using the command chvt should help (assuming I've understood your requirement correctly)

Answer 2

Found it: chvt is exactly what I was looking for. The console how-to has good stuff in it.