Rebel Zero

Quoted from #ubuntu @ freednode:

(07:24:34 PM) R0b0t1: Is there a way to change the computers’ name? EG, the name that appears in the terminal.

So, your computer’s name, or hostname, isn’t what you want any longer. Possibly, you misspelled it during the installation process (trust me, I’ve done it). Whatever reason you have for changing it, it’s easier than you might think.

Do It The GUI way

You have two possible options. The first is through the network-admin desktop application. On 8.04 Hardy Heron, it’s installed by default. However, on 8.10 Intrepid Ibex, it is not. Use Synaptic to install gnome-network-admin or use sudo apt-get install gnome-network-admin at a command prompt.

To run the application, choose System > Administration > Network. On the following Network Settings window, click on the General tab.

There you’ll see the Host Settings. Click the Unlock button and enter your passphrase to authenticate yourself to change the Host name. To finish, click Close and you’ll see a warning about having to login again. Click on Change Host name, and click Close again. Once you’re done, give your machine a restart and you’re set to go.

No GUI? Do It On The CLI

Your second option is from a command line. There are two files that need to be changed: /etc/hostname and /etc/hosts . Use your favorite text editor (I use nano for these edits) and open each one. You’ll need to use sudo since you’re changing system files.

First we change the /etc/hosts file.
sudo nano /etc/hosts

This is what my server’s hosts file looks like.

adam@oracle:~$ cat /etc/hosts
127.0.0.1    localhost
127.0.1.1    oracle

# The following lines are desirable for IPv6 capable hosts
::1     ip6-localhost ip6-loopback
fe00::0 ip6-localnet
ff00::0 ip6-mcastprefix
ff02::1 ip6-allnodes
ff02::2 ip6-allrouters
ff02::3 ip6-allhosts

You can see my server’s name next to 127.0.1.1 as oracle. You should see your computer’s name at that same IP. Just replace it with your new choice. Save and close that file and open your /etc/hostname file.
sudo nano /etc/hostname

This one is very simple. All that should be there is your computer’s current name. Replace it with your new choice, save and close. Now, all that’s left is to reboot the machine.

For a temporary fix, you can use the hostname command.
sudo hostname your_new_hostname

I’ve also read elsewhere that you don’t need to reboot after changing the hostname as much as you just need to re-login. I feel it’s best to be safe and just reboot. You can choose whichever is best for you.