Reference article:
https://www.howtouseubuntu.com/network/change-hostname-in-ubuntu-linux/
Hello everyone! It is my honor to bring you this guest post, and today we will discuss in depth how to change hostname in Ubuntu operating system. The host name is the identity of the computer in the network, which is very important for network connection and system management. We will provide you with a complete tutorial with 5 key networking related points, each with detailed examples and use cases.
1. The Importance of Hostnames
A hostname is a name that identifies a computer on a network and plays a key role in network communications. Changing the hostname can help you:
- Differentiate between different servers or devices.
- Improve network security and avoid exposing real information.
- Simplify the network management and configuration process.
Example: Change the hostname from the default "ubuntu" to "myserver".
Use Case: You can easily identify and manage "myserver" within your internal network while protecting against potential external threats.
2. Use the hostnamectl command to change the hostname
In Ubuntu, you can use hostnamectl
the command to change the hostname. It is a powerful and handy tool that enables instant hostname changes.
Example: Change the hostname to "linux-server" using the following command:
sudo hostnamectl set-hostname linux-server
Use case:hostnamectl
Use the command to quickly set a custom hostname when provisioning a new server .
3. Modify the /etc/hostname file
Instead of using hostnamectl
the command, you can edit the file directly /etc/hostname
to change the hostname.
Example: Open the file with a text editor /etc/hostname
and change the hostname to "myubuntu".
Use case: By modifying a file, you can change the hostname without running a command.
4. Modify the /etc/hosts file
After changing the hostname, /etc/hosts
the file also needs to be updated to reflect the new hostname.
Example: Open /etc/hosts
the file and update the lines related to the old hostname to the new hostname.
Use case: Updating /etc/hosts
the file helps ensure that the system can correctly resolve new hostnames.
5. Check network connection and reverse DNS resolution
After changing the hostname, be sure to check that the network connection is working and perform a reverse DNS resolution test to ensure that the hostname change has not affected network communications.
Example: Use ping
the command to test the reachability of a hostname.
Use case: Through the network connection and reverse DNS resolution test, confirm that the network communication is still normal after the host name is changed.
Hope this complete tutorial on changing hostname in Ubuntu helps you. Changing a hostname is an important and common task, and familiarity with the process is a must-have skill for every system administrator. Thanks for reading, and I wish you success in your Linux journey!
We have compiled a pdf file of Linux learning, put it in the following path, you can mention it yourself:
https://www.howtouselinux.com/post/linux-commands-for-linux-beginners-cheat-sheet