changing hostname with out fouling up network connection?

[smolloy]

I can't comment on the router issue, but the /dev/mapper/oldhostname isn't really anything to worry about.

Apparently you installed your OS on a logical volume, and the installer decided to give the volume the same name as your computer (i.e. the hostname). It look like it contains your root folder and your swap space, but I wouldn't worry about the name being the same as your old hostname. It's just a name.

BTW: I see your sig. Best regards from Menlo Park, Northern CA! You from SLO?

[bezdomny]

Thanks, smolloy, you've helped put my mind at ease. And actually, I'm near Stockton. Thanks again.

[GNU-Fan]

The router does not know your computer has changed its hostname because it has its own alias database. (This maps the hostnames to some IP or ARP addresses).

You will have to tell your router about it. Maybe over a webinterface.
"And if I say 'newhostname' I mean the system with the hardware network address xyz". Check your router's manual.

[bezdomny]

Thanks as always, GNU-fan. My router now knows about newhostname. Here's what I did:

in /etc/dhcp3/dhclient.conf, I uncommented and edited the line:

#send host-name "andare.fugue.com";

Now the router recognizes newhostname. I think this topic is solved and concluded. Thanks again to GNU-Fan and everyone else!