I feel dumb asking this

but Google isn't helpful.

How do I reboot Linux into console mode? I want to install the nVidia drivers, but it doesn't allow it if you're running an X server. I tried adding the -console flag to a boot sequence in GRUB but that just makes a plaintext console at boot time instead of a graphical booter, but it still automatically logs in and starts the X server. Can anyone offer some help?

Specifics: VLOS 1.1, running a 2.6 kernel (I...think?) and gnome for my windowing system.

Init 3?

What distro?

VLOS, but I've already gone through it and messed up. It's the same problem I was having with compiling the HostAP drivers that somehow the kernel and modules are getting compiled with a different version of GCC than what my kernel is, even though I've recompiled all of them under the same version.

I'm just gonna wait for VLOS 1.2, since it's going to auto-install nVidia drivers and have improved wifi support.