Chapter 2. Configuring the host name in the web console

Learn how to use the Red Hat Enterprise Linux web console to configure different forms of the host name on the system that the web console is attached to.

2.1. Host name

The host name identifies the system. By default, the host name is set to localhost, but you can change it.

A host name consists of two parts:

Host name
It is a unique name which identifies a system.
Domain
Add the domain as a suffix behind the host name when using a system in a network and when using names instead of just IP addresses.

A host name with an attached domain name is called a fully qualified domain name (FQDN). For example: mymachine.example.com.

Host names are stored in the /etc/hostname file.

2.2. Pretty host name in the web console

You can configure a pretty host name in the RHEL web console. The pretty host name is a host name with capital letters, spaces, and so on.

The pretty host name displays in the web console, but it does not have to correspond with the host name.

Example 2.1. Host name formats in the web console

Pretty host name
My Machine
Host name
mymachine
Real host name - fully qualified domain name (FQDN)
mymachine.idm.company.com

2.3. Setting the host name using the web console

This procedure sets the real host name or the pretty host name in the web console.

Prerequisites

Procedure

  1. Log into the web console.

    For details, see Logging in to the web console.

  2. Click Overview.
  3. Click edit next to the current host name.

    cockpit hostname pf4

  4. In the Change Host Name dialog box, enter the host name in the Pretty Host Name field.
  5. The Real Host Name field attaches a domain name to the pretty name.

    You can change the real host name manually if it does not correspond with the pretty host name.

  6. Click Change.

    cockpit hostname change pf4

Verification steps

  1. Log out from the web console.
  2. Reopen the web console by entering an address with the new host name in the address bar of your browser.

    cockpit hostname change verify pf4