Linux change my hostname / computer system name

Posted on in Categories , last updated July 26, 2007

Q. I’m using Ubuntu Linux. How do I change my hostname or the machine name?

A.. You need to use hostname command, which is used to either set or display the current host or domain name of the system. This name is used by many of the networking programs to identify the machine.

Following instructions should work on both Debian and Ubuntu Linux systems.

Task: Display current hostname

Just type hostname command print the name of the system:
$ hostname
Output:

vivek-desktop.gite.in

Task: Change hostname

Set hostname to desktop.nixcraft.com:
# hostname desktop.nixcraft.com
# hostname
Output:

desktop.nixcraft.com

Task: Change hostname permanently

You need to edit a file called /etc/hostname:
# vi /etc/hostname
Set new hostname:

desktop.nixcraft.com

Save and close the file.

A note for Redhat / CentOS Linux users

If you are using CentOS or Fedora or Redhat (RHEL) Linux, see this FAQ.

Posted by: Vivek Gite

The author is the creator of nixCraft and a seasoned sysadmin and a trainer for the Linux operating system/Unix shell scripting. He has worked with global clients and in various industries, including IT, education, defense and space research, and the nonprofit sector. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Google+.

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12 comment

  2. hostname papa.nixcraft.com —temp changing the hostname
    For Permanent
    vim /etc/hosts
    vim /etc/sysconfig/network

    1. i did as you tell but can’t ping to hostname. My hostname is linuxserver, when i use command ping it appear connect: Network is unreachable.

  3. after changing, type “bash” and the prompt will change to the newest hostname your just changed.

  4. this just doesn’t work, it seems like it does but you wont be able to use “sudo” anymore…..

  6. Hi,
    Thanks for pointing me to the right direction.
    As for me and perhaps ppl using certain distro, may have to edit the /etc/hosts file as well.
    sudo gedit /etc/hosts
    127.0.0.1 localhost
    127.0.1.1 newhostnamehere
    ——
    Look for the line that says:
    127.0.1.1 originalname
    and change it to the newhostname

    Regards,
    Bob
    PS: until I fix this, sudo took a long time trying to but fail to “resolve” the name, before asking for password and the GUI ‘update’ taskbar icon and GUI package manager stop working.

  8. Really from my own point of view it is so amazing to use it please i need some e-book how to use it.
    Thanks’
    Martin

  9. Setting up a CentOS 6 box today and was able to use the hostname command successfully without errors. Not sure why using the other FAQ is suggested.

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