Your Linux kernel has a lot of features which are not explained in the kernel source itself; these features are typically utilized through external packages. Some of the most common are listed here.
The Linux console has more features than you can shake a stick at. This includes the ability to switch fonts, remap your keyboard, switch videomodes (in newer kernels), etc. The kbd package has programs which allow the user to do all of this, plus a ton of fonts and keyboard maps for almost any keyboard.
As with many packages, this was once a kernel patch and support programs. The patches made it into the official kernel, and the programs to optimize and play with your hard disk are distributed seperately, as usual.
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