How do I change my iMac's name?
This is a fun one. Two solutions provided... Easy and Full.
Easy Solution, Take it to your local Applestore for a Genius appointment. They can be smug, but they should be able to help. if they are just toooo smug for you, or can't get to one for other reasons, then leave it alone, or your genius might not want to do it (this may be a possibility with good reason*)
Full solution:
Right now, I am assuming you know your way around a little bit. such as where to create a user account, etc...
WARNING! to do this properly, this solution requires creating a ROOT User account, if you have a ROOT User, and are logged into it, the computer essentially thinks your GOD. It will do what you tell it to. it will obey!
This is good and BAD! While it allows you to do things you normally could not... it also allows you to accidentally do things like delete all your data in one shot.
Also, if anybody gets into this root user account, they then are the computers GOD.
If this makes you nervous, and it should, leave things alone.
If you really need to change things, and are willing to risk it.
0. Read all first... Understand all first!
1. Back Up!!!!!...
If this goes south, your backup is your only chance to save data!
2. Create a RootUser Account... Use a strong password and never forget it... even if you delete the Root User account, the password is tied to the condition of have having one. Do not let anyone else have the password, or be able to figure it out!
3. Log into the Root user Account
4.Remove the User you want to change
DO NOT DELETE!!! This is where people drive south!
5. rename the user folder to what you want (this is why you created a root user. permissions are ignored and it allows you to make the changes)
user folders are 1 word all lower case version of user name
if your user name is "Joe Smith" the name the folder "joesmith"
6. Create a new User Account with the new name and shortname
(folder name)
8. it should argue that a folder name of such exists and would you like to use it any way. Yes you would ( this is when everything gets tied back together)
9. Log out, and log back into the correct User account
10. remove the Root User Account.
* BTW, if I come off as Smug... I guess being an Ex - AMCT (AKA apple Genius) hasn't wore off. Too, if your local Genius does not want to do it, this is because they are trying to protect your data, and do not want to be culpable for it. Too, Apples policies, might not allow for it. When I was there a few years ago, doing this was in the dark grey areas of support. Not disallowed, but frowned upon.
Sorry to say it, but the resposibility of your data is in your hands!
Things can and will go wrong. BACK UP!
