When you first start a computer with Windows installed on it (or when you first install Windows on an existing computer), you are asked to provide a name by which the computer will be known. Your computer's name is used to differentiate it from other computers on a network. The name can also be a help to other people on your network, so that they can identify your system.
In small networks, it is not unusual to give computers a name related to the person using the computer. For instance, I have a computer named "Allen" and another named "AllenLaptop." Computers might also be named according to their purpose, such as "AccountsReceivable" or "Shipping." These are just suggestions, however: What you name computers (and any conventions you may follow within your organization) is entirely up to you.
The key thing about computer names is that they must be unique within the network to which they are attached. This is why I have computers named "Allen" and "AllenLaptop": Because I cannot have two of them named "Allen."
In addition, there are some restrictions on what characters can be included within a computer name. You may have figured that out because I have a computer named "AllenLaptop" instead of "Allen Laptop." The reason is because you cannot use a space in a computer name. You also cannot use a quote mark ("), a comma, or any of the following: /\[]:;|+=?*_.
In order to change the name of your computer, check out this tip: Changing a Computer's Name.
This tip (13166) applies to Windows 7 and 8.
Windows is rather configurable, especially when it comes to the user interface. Here's how you can modify the way that mouse ...
Discover MoreAre the icons on your desktop displayed at the right size for your preference or needs? Windows provides three different ...
Discover MoreThe Start screen can serve as your launching pad for whatever programs you desire. Here's how to add tiles for your favorite ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WindowsTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WindowsTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2017 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments