How to Change Server Hostname from Launchpad Dashboard?

Changing the hostname of a server is something that falls into the frequent tasks of the cubs (system administrators). These administrators are usually called upon to perform this task. The hostname is a unique identity given to any device connected to the network, for identification and distinguishing of the machine from others on the same network. In the course of this knowledgebase, we will be taking you through the whole experience of server hostname changing from the Launchpad dashboard.

Introduction to Launchpad Dashboard

Launchpad, a cloud-based platform, allows you to manage your cloud resources from the server to storage, networking, and other resources through its user-friendly administration interface. The dashboard over Launchpad is a web floor appliance that contains different commissions related to Cloud infrastructure where you might start up, modify, and down resources.

Why Change the Server Hostname?

There are many reasons why you may desire the change of a server's hostname:

1. Naming Convention: There is a high probability that you can be specific with server names and apply global naming standards to keep the infrastructure consistent and organized.

2. Rebranding: If your firm goes for rebranding and merging, you must produce your server’s hostnames to align with the brand.

3. Conflict Resolution: In other instances, two devices may share the same hostnames, this can cause some DNS resolution troubles. Switching the Hoftame would therefore make this conflict easier.

4. Clarity: A descriptive hostname can be used to provide a general idea about the server or a role that we are going to mention within your infrastructure.

Steps to Change Server Hostname from Launchpad Dashboard

1. Log in to the Launchpad Dashboard: First off, move the pointer to the web browser and go to the Launchpad dashboard page URL. Insert your username and password in the areas that are marked for it to log in.

2. Locate the Server Instance: Locate the server board in the dashboard menu, where all your instance servers are entered. The title of this portion will vary. One of the service providers can call it "Instances," "Virtual Machines," or "Compute."

3. Select the Server Instance: On the menu, you will have several options to choose from. Choose the one you want to modify by clicking on it to open its details.

4. Locate the Hostname Setting: In the "server instance details" page, usually a subsection or area named "Hostname" or something like it, you should be able to find it. Here you can assign any hostname to your server.

5. Change the Hostname: Next to the "Edit" or "Modify" button there is the instructor for the hostname field. Log into the new hostname server that you want to employ, and conform to the provided hostname naming convention guidelines or your cloud provider and the organization you work for.

6. Save the Changes: Then, enter the hostname you would like to change to and hit "Save" or "Apply" to finish.

7. Wait for the Changes to Take Effect: In the case of the provider you have selected or in response to the configuration you choose, it will be just minutes you have to wait until your hostname gets propagated and affected by your infrastructure.

Considerations and Best Practices

1. Hostname Restrictions: While most common cloud platform providers often have rules and guidelines for the types of hostnames and format of their characters, some operating systems allow specific hostname characters and formats. Try to make sure that your new hostname follows the rules specified in the literature above to avoid a possible problem.

2. Hostname Length: Although there are no fixed guidelines, it is usually advised to terse the length of the hostname to a maximum of sixty-three characters and descriptive.

3. Unique Hostnames: Each hostname should be distinct within your local area network or infrastructure for the sake of eliminating conflicts with other servers and easily pinpointing them.

4. Consistency: Given that you have several servers, name your servers consistently and following this rule, you will save efforts of management and lessen the difficulties in server management.

5. Documentation: Document the hostname changes, including both old and new names, the date it was changed, and any related comments or reasons for the change. This information can be useful for explaining or diagnosing problems or for taking appropriate actions in the future.

6. Impact Assessment: Before anything else, gauge the probable influence on any software, scripts, procedures, or services that are bound to the hostname you are going to alter. Check how useful the technique is and react at all times to avoid technical difficulties.

7. Backup and Restore: In order not to jeopardize the scenario of your server configuration before making any changes to the hostname, take consideration of a backup. The undo feature will allow you to go to the previous state if it is required.

Conclusion

Updating the server hostname through the Launchpad portal dashboard is a straightforward task and is done in just a couple of simple steps. Nevertheless, you need to practice prudence, making sure that such an impact won’t get you into trouble. With these instructions, you can accomplish the required tasks and will have a good enough cloud infrastructure with a clear and simple organization.