How do I change the name I used during setup?

[Bamabww]

Hello, just got my first Apple computer last Friday and so far so good for a PC ex-owner for 20 years. During the original setup of my Mac Book Pro, without thinking about what it would do, I used my full legal name to "name" my computer. I noticed somewhere yesterday while looking through the computer a statement similar to this: Everyone will know your computer as "Billy's Mac book Pro." (paraphrased I'm sure.) I never use my first name unless required to do so on a legal document signature etc.

Is there any way to change that to my middle name that I use all the time and the one everyone knows me by?

This forum has already been a tremendous help to me and I hope to be able to add to the discussion soon.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Do you mean your Computer Name (System Preferences > Sharing > Computer Name) or your account name? The latter is not visible via the network, the former is.

 

[GGJstudios]

OS X: How to change user account name or home directory name

 

[Jordnbeats]

OS X: How to change user account name or home directory name

Been trying to figure this out and ran into this thread just now. Thank youuu! 😀

 

[Bamabww]

Do you mean your Computer Name (System Preferences > Sharing > Computer Name) or your account name? The latter is not visible via the network, the former is.

To tell the truth, I don't know enough yet to know. Thanks for the path, I'll try that when I get home.

 

[FuNGi]

I'm wondering if doing this will cause your Time Machine to think it is attached to a new machine. Thus requiring you to re-back up everything and losing time-machine backup history.

 

[Bamabww]

To tell the truth, I don't know enough yet to know. Thanks for the path, I'll try that when I get home.

That worked! Thanks for your help.

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I'm wondering if doing this will cause your Time Machine to think it is attached to a new machine. Thus requiring you to re-back up everything and losing time-machine backup history.

Don't think that will be a problem now, I've only had the computer turned on for about an hour and have not installed anything except a recommended upgrade to Lion. Appreciate your concern though.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

I'm wondering if doing this will cause your Time Machine to think it is attached to a new machine. Thus requiring you to re-back up everything and losing time-machine backup history.

That will not be a problem.
Time Machine FAQ