Learn how to change the hostname in AlmaLinux. Our Server Management Support team is here to help you with your questions and concerns.

How to change hostname in AlmaLinux

A Linux system’s hostname plays a key role in identifying the device on a network. In fact, it is present in other places, like the terminal prompt. This reminds us about which system we are currently working on.

This comes in handy when we are managing different systems via SSH and the command line terminals start looking alike.

Although IP addresses are used by devices to communicate with one another, they tend to change. However, hostnames remind us which device we are currently interacting with on the network or physically. This is why having a hostname is important.

Now that we have understood the importance of hostnames, we are going to take a quick look at how we can change them in AlmaLinux. First, let’s take a look at how to accomplish this from the command line:

1. First, run the following command to check the current hostname:

   hostname

   Or
   hostnamectl
2. Then, we have to run the following command to change the hostname:

   $ hostnamectl set-hostname newhostname
3. Next, run the hostname command to verify the name change was successful.
4. Finally, we have to edit the /etc/hosts file and add the following lines:

   127.0.0.1 newhostname
::1 newhostname

Alternatively, we can also change the hostname in AlmaLinux via the GNOME GUI.

1. First, we have to open the GNOME settings menu via the root account. This is done with the following command:

   # gnome-control-center
2. Then, click the Details tab at the button followed by the About button.
3. Next, click Device Name and enter the new hostname and press enter. Then close the window.
4. Finally, verify the above steps were successful by running the hostnamectl command in a terminal.

[Need assistance with a different issue? Our team is available 24/7.]

Conclusion

In summary, our Support Techs demonstrated how to change the hostname in AlmaLinux.