What can you do to access another shell without quitting your current application?

To access another shell without quitting your current application, using the combination of keys that includes CTRL-ALT and a function key, such as F2, is the correct approach. This combination typically switches you to a different virtual console on Linux systems that utilize multiple TTYs (teletypewriters).

When you press CTRL-ALT-F2, for instance, you'll open a new terminal session, allowing you to log in anew or access another shell interface where you can run commands independently of your current application. This functionality is especially useful for multitasking in a command-line environment, as it enables users to keep applications running while starting additional sessions.

In contrast, pressing ALT-F3 or F1 alone may switch to a different virtual terminal but is less commonly used for accessing a shell in a manner that maintains the connection to your current application. Typing exit is designed to close the current shell session rather than opening a new one, so it would not allow you to access another shell without shutting down the current session.