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How to Set or Change Hostname in Linux

Change Hostname in Linux
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Change Hostname in Linux. How to Set or Change Hostname in Linux. Learn to set or change the hostname in Linux with this step-by-step guide. Whether for temporary alterations or permanent changes, ensure accurate identification for your system on the network, fostering an organized computing environment.

The hostname is a crucial identifier for a Linux system, serving as its unique name on a network. Whether you’re configuring a new system or updating an existing one, knowing how to set or change the hostname is an essential skill. In this guide, we’ll walk through the step-by-step process for setting or changing the hostname in Linux. How to find hostname , You can use this article in case you want to find a hostname using Python.

1. Checking the Current Hostname:

Before making any changes, it’s wise to check the current hostname to ensure you are working with the correct system. Open a terminal and use the following command:

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hostname

This will display the current hostname assigned to your Linux system.We recommend buying your favorite toothbrush at super low prices with free shipping, and you can also pick up your order at the store on the same day.

Change Hostname in Linux

2. Temporary Change:

If you want to temporarily change the hostname for the current session without making permanent changes, use the hostname command:

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sudo hostname new-hostname

Replace “new-hostname” with the desired hostname. This change will be effective until the system is rebooted.

How to Set or Change Hostname in Linux

3. Permanent Change:

For a permanent hostname change, you need to modify the system files that store the hostname. The specific file depends on your Linux distribution. Change Hostname in Linux

a. Ubuntu/Debian:

Edit the /etc/hostname file using a text editor such as Nano or Vim:

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sudo nano /etc/hostname

Replace the current hostname with the new one and save the file. Additionally, update the hosts file:

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sudo nano /etc/hosts

Look for the line containing the old hostname and replace it with the new one. Save the file.

b. Red Hat/CentOS:

For Red Hat-based systems, edit the /etc/hostname file:

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sudo nano /etc/hostname

Replace the current hostname with the new one and save the file. Update the hosts file:

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sudo nano /etc/hosts

Replace the old hostname in the hosts file with the new one and save.

Change hostname in Linux using hostnamectl command

sudo hostnamectl set-hostname NEW_HOSTNAME

4. Applying Changes:

After making changes, apply them by rebooting your system or using the following command:

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sudo service hostname restart

This ensures that the new hostname takes effect without requiring a full system restart.

5. Verifying the Change:

Confirm that the hostname has been successfully changed by using the hostname command again:

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hostname

This should display the updated hostname.

6. Dealing with Network Configuration:

In some cases, changing the hostname may impact network configurations. If your system uses DHCP, the updated hostname may not be immediately reflected. You can renew the DHCP lease to address this:

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sudo dhclient -r sudo dhclient

This releases and renews the DHCP lease, updating the hostname with the DHCP server.

We have also published a detailed article on How to run fsck in Linux

Q: How do I check the current hostname in Linux?

A: To check the current hostname, use the command hostname in the terminal.

Q: How can I temporarily change the hostname for the current session in Linux?

A: Temporarily change the hostname using sudo hostname new-hostname where “new-hostname” is the desired name.

Q: What are the steps for a permanent hostname change on Ubuntu/Debian systems?

A: Edit /etc/hostname with the new hostname, update /etc/hosts, then apply changes with sudo service hostname restart.

Q: How do I permanently change the hostname on Red Hat/CentOS systems?

A: Edit /etc/hostname, update /etc/hosts, and apply changes with sudo service hostname restart.

Q: What’s the command to apply hostname changes without a system restart in Linux?

A: Use sudo service hostname restart to apply changes without restarting the system.

Q: How do I verify that the hostname has been successfully changed in Linux?

A: Confirm the hostname change with the command hostname in the terminal.

Q: How can I deal with network configuration issues after changing the hostname?

A: Renew the DHCP lease with sudo dhclient -r and sudo dhclient to update the hostname with the DHCP server. Change Hostname in Linux

You can find Linux Tutorials on this page

You can also find all Video Tutorial on Youtube

Conclusion:

Setting or changing the hostname in Linux is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow the correct steps to ensure a smooth transition. Whether you need a temporary alteration for a single session or a permanent change for the system, this guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough. Keeping your Linux system’s hostname accurate is not only practical for network identification but also contributes to a well-maintained and organized computing environment. Change Hostname in Linux

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