In the world of server administration, knowing how to change the hostname of your system is a fundamental skill. Whether you’re setting up a new server or rebranding an existing one, the hostname plays a crucial role in identifying and accessing your server. In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of changing the hostname in AlmaLinux 9, a popular Linux distribution known for its stability and performance.

Checking the Current Hostname

Before we dive into changing the hostname, let’s first check the current hostname of your system. Open a terminal and enter the following command:

hostnamectl

The output will display various details about your system, including the current hostname. Take note of this information as it will be useful later in the process.

Changing the Hostname

Now that you know the current hostname, it’s time to change it to your desired name. AlmaLinux provides a simple command to change the hostname:

hostnamectl set-hostname your-desired-hostname

Replace your-desired-hostname with the new hostname you wish to assign to your system. For example, if you want to set the hostname to “examplecloud.nethostname,” the command would be:

hostnamectl set-hostname examplecloud.nethostname

Optionally, you can also set a pretty hostname, which is a more user-friendly version of the hostname. To set the pretty hostname, use the following command:

hostnamectl set-hostname "examplecloud production server" --pretty

This command sets the pretty hostname to “examplecloud production server.” Feel free to customize it according to your preferences and requirements.

Updating the Hosts File

To ensure that the new hostname is properly mapped to the IP address of your system, you need to update the /etc/hosts file. Open the file using your favorite text editor:

nano /etc/hosts

Within the file, you will find an entry similar to 127.0.0.1 localhost or 127.0.0.1 your-current-hostname. Add a new line below this entry and insert the following:

127.0.0.1 your-new-hostname

For example, if your new hostname is “examplecloud.net,” the line would look like this:

127.0.0.1 examplecloud.net

Save the changes and exit the editor.

Restarting the systemd-hostnamed Service

To apply the changes and ensure that the new hostname is activated, you need to restart the systemd-hostnamed service. Use the following command to accomplish this:

systemctl restart systemd-hostnamed

With the service restarted, the new hostname will take effect immediately.

Alternative Method: Using NetworkManager’s Text User Interface

If you prefer a graphical interface, AlmaLinux offers an alternative method to set or change the hostname using NetworkManager’s Text User Interface (nmtui). Follow these steps:

1. Open a terminal and run the command nmtui to launch the interface.
2. Select “Set system hostname” and press Enter.
3. Enter the new hostname in the provided field and press Enter.
4. Restart the systemd-hostnamed service to apply the changes:

systemctl restart systemd-hostnamed

Verifying the Hostname Change

To ensure that the hostname has been successfully changed, you can use the hostnamectl command again. Open a terminal and enter:

hostnamectl

The output will display the new hostname under the “Static hostname” and “Pretty hostname” fields, confirming that the change has been applied.

Conclusion

Changing the hostname in AlmaLinux 9 is a straightforward process that can be done using either the command line or a graphical interface. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily customize the hostname to suit your needs. Remember to update the /etc/hosts file and restart the systemd-hostnamed service to ensure a smooth transition.

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Christian Wells