More often than not, when I have a look at a client’s computer I find they use the default computer name, as it came from the shop where they bought it. Although there is nothing wrong with using a computer with a name like windows-2jkfk263 or ubuntu-52df53, it is nicer and possible easier to work with on a network when computers have meaningful names, like MEDIACENTER or FILESERVER.

This is how to change it for both Linux and Windows systems.

The Linux way:

Under any Ubuntu based system open a terminal window and issue the following command:

Enter your password when prompted.

The /etc/hostname file contains only one line of text, the name of the computer. Change this, then save, quit and restart the computer. Now the new name is in effect.

The Windows way:

Under Windows 7/8/8.1/10 open the System app from Control panel:

Under Computer name click Change settings:

On the Computer name tab click Change:

Enter the desired computer name then click OK.

Once accepted, you need to restart the computer. After restart the new name is in effect.