Changing local host name

Question

I would like to change my command prompt at the terminal window. At present it is shown as <mycompletename@XXXXXXX>
where "mycompletename" is well my name and xxxxxxxxx are some alpha numeric characters. How can i get rid of this alphanumberic characters? i tried using hostname -s XXX, but its not permanent. Some more searching said to change hostconfig in /etc, but i dont see anything as HOSTNAME-AUTOMATIC, in there. Another option which works is PS1='something', however, this is also not permanent. I am not sure what else i can do to change name of command prompt to show myname@somethingdifferent.
Is there any thing i can do with on my .bash_profile in my home directory? or any thing else? please guide. I am the admin of the computer, however i have not set any root.
Thanks
Sudeep
MacBook2,1 Mac OS X (10.4.9)
Mac OS X (10.4.9)
Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Answer 1

I've checked your other thread. I fear, you misunderstood my first posting. There I said:
Add the following line:
HOSTNAME=$HOSTNAME
where $HOSTNAME is the hostname you want to set.
That means:
Replace $HOSTNAME with the actual hostname you want to give the computer. The line should finally have looked something like 'HOSTNAME=MacBook'.
Sorry, but I was under the impression you would know at least some basics in script programming and how to use variables and how to read other people's code. I guess my instructions where just not clear enough.
The problems you describe in your other thread are because the root filesystem is mounted read-only in single user mode. You need to remount the filesystem read-write before you can make any changes to files.
I just took a quick look at Google to find the neccessary commands. I've just tested it on my MacBook, worked perfectly.
1. Boot the Mac into single user mode by pressing and holding 'Command + S' during boot time.
2. When you're at the command line type the following:
/sbin/mount -wu /
That will remount the root filesystem read-write and you'll be able to edit the system files.
3. When you're done editing, save the file. If you're using vi ignore the message about not being able to safe some temp vi file. Just hit ENTER once. After that type 'exit', hit ENTER once more and the Mac should boot up fine again.