Computer Naming Convention

 

I. STANDARD STATEMENT

Your computer's name is the unique name that identifies it on NYU’s network. In order to identify and locate equipment in case of threats, harm, or infection, it is important that university-owned desktops, laptops and servers be assigned names that adhere to a standard naming convention, containing sufficient information to be identified and located.

Courant IT strongly recommends that you incorporate your NYU NetID when naming your computer.

Here are few suggested examples, using "abc123" as a NetID: CIMS-abc123, Courant-abc123 or CDS-abc123.

II. RATIONALE

This standard supports NYU’s Data and System Security Policy.

III. SCOPE

This standard applies to all NYU faculty, staff, and students who are using university-owned devices. 

IV. PROCEDURE

Here are the fundamental methods for renaming your computer on any operating system platform:

Windows:
• Select Start > Settings > System > About
• Select Rename this PC
• Enter a new name and select Next. You may be asked to sign in
• Select Restart to take effect

Mac:
• Open the Terminal app (Applications > Utilities > Terminal)
• In Terminal run the following three commands:
   sudo scutil --set HostName <new host name>
   sudo scutil --set LocalHostName <new host name>
   sudo scutil --set ComputerName <new name>
​​​​​​• Restart your machine for these changes to take effect

For Mac users who are not familiar with using Terminal, an alternative option is to download the  ReName app which allows you to rename your computer. You may need to go to System Settings  -> Privacy & Security. Scroll down to Security section and you will see an option to “Open Anyway”

Linux:
• Open the Terminal app (Location varies base of your Linux flavor)
• Open with your preferred text editor and change the name inside the following files:
   sudo nano /etc/hostname
   sudo nano /etc/hosts
• Check the changes by just typing hostname in Terminal

If you’re running a Linux desktop environment and don’t wish to use the Terminal method you can make the changes in your System Settings

 

 

Should you have any issues with naming your computer, please contact the Courant Helpdesk.