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Linux Mint Change device name @ original user, having the password

Dan.ilo Posted messages 3 Status Member -  
Dan.ilo Posted messages 3 Status Member -
Bonjour, having purchased a second-hand laptop (with Linux Mint already set up to be in French and access Wi-Fi), I would like to change the original device name and the original "username" of the person who installed it, as I have 29 characters consisting of the identifier "lui@truc" in green in normal Terminal mode or in red and blue in system mode. So, having the names and the password, thank you for helping me change just these names, to make it more personalized and shorter. Thank you very much and best regards. Dan.ilo

2 answers

  1.
    zipe31 Posted messages 34620 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   6 501
     
    Hi,

    To change the machine's name, it's quite simple, just edit the file 
    /etc/hostname
    with root privileges, change the name, save it, and reboot the machine.

    However, to change the administrator's name, you need to be very careful and sure of yourself.
    See How to change a user account identifier

    Personally, I would create a new account (therefore leaving the current account as is), give it administrator rights, and then I would log in with this account for a while, and afterward, I would disable the other account without deleting it, you never know…

    --
    _______________________________ ☯ Zen my nuggets ☮ _____________________________
    Do a favor for the environment, close your windows and adopt a penguin… ????
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  2. Dan.ilo Posted messages 3 Status Member
     
    OK, thanks a lot, I'll study all that! So right now, my first "very simple" step would be: "just edit the /etc/hostname file with root privileges," but when I enter the command "root" in the basic terminal ending with a $, the response is "The program 'root' is not installed yet, you can install it by typing: sudo apt install root-system-bin
    (Personally, I thought 'root' was primarily named like the prime minister having all the power, even before administrators or users)," so??? With the humility of a lost novice, should I attempt this installation? Thank you for your patience and possible advice. Dan Ilo
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    1. zipe31 Posted messages 34620 Registration date   Status Contributor Last intervention   6 501
       
      On Ubuntu-based systems, there isn't technically a "root".
      Root privileges are mainly obtained by using the 
      sudo
      command before commands that require superuser privileges.
      For example: 
      sudo apt update
      .

      However, you can become root using the commands: 
      sudo -i
      or 
      sudo -s
      .

      So, no, you should not install root-system-bin.

      To open the file with root rights, simply type in a terminal: 
      sudo nano /etc/hostname
      for terminal editing.
      or 
      sudo xed /etc/hostname
      for graphical editing (xed should be replaced by the editor present on your system (gedit or pluma or another)).

      There is also a command to directly change the machine name without editing a file: 
      sudo hostnamectl set-hostname new_name
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    2. Dan.ilo Posted messages 3 Status Member
       
      Good evening, and thank you Zipe31 for all this information. I had a good result with "sudo xed /etc/hostname" in graphical editing, which allowed me to change the machine's name to a much shorter one!
      As for changing the main administrator's name, I will let the cautionary advice that is commonly found in the most balanced opinions on the internet sink in, but in any case, depending on the possible choices, I will come back to share the results (but I will still beforehand (out of caution) try to create a bootable DVD or USB drive just in case... badaboom if I need to make a system backup like December 5th...) . Best regards, Dan Ilo
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