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Asked: 2024-09-24T21:10:59+05:30 In: ,

How can I modify the hosts file in Lubuntu 20.04?

I’ve been diving into Lubuntu 20.04 lately and hit a bit of a snag. I’m trying to figure out how to modify the hosts file. A friend mentioned it’s super useful for managing domain name resolutions, and since I dabble in web development, I thought it could come in handy.

So here’s the deal: I need to update the hosts file to redirect some domain names to my local server for testing. I used to do this on Windows without any issues, but I’m kinda lost in the Lubuntu environment. Like, where is this file even located? I’ve heard it’s in the `/etc/` directory, but I don’t want to just go around making changes without knowing what I’m doing.

I’ve read a few blog posts and forums, but they all seem to assume I know way more than I actually do. Some people mention using the terminal and commands, while others suggest using a text editor. Do I need any special permissions to edit this file? I remember in Windows, I had to run Notepad as an administrator to make changes. Is it similar in Lubuntu, or is the process a lot simpler?

Honestly, I’m a bit worried about messing things up because I’ve heard that incorrect changes to this file can lead to issues like not being able to reach certain websites or causing my browser to behave weirdly. Plus, if I forget to back up the original hosts file, I’m not sure how to restore it.

If anyone could walk me through the steps or share any tips, that would be awesome. Maybe you could share what command you use in the terminal, how to find the file, and any editor you recommend? I’d really appreciate a step-by-step guide, or at least some pointers. Sorry if this is a basic question, but I’m really trying to get the hang of this Linux stuff, and any help would go a long way!

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    2 Answers


    1. To modify the hosts file in Lubuntu 20.04, you will indeed be working with the file located at /etc/hosts. You’ll need superuser (root) permissions to edit this file, which is similar to running Notepad as an administrator in Windows. To open the terminal, you can either use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + T or find it in the applications menu. Once the terminal is open, you can create a backup of the original hosts file using the command sudo cp /etc/hosts /etc/hosts.backup. This is a crucial step, as it allows you to restore the original file if anything goes wrong. After backing it up, you can open the hosts file in a text editor with superuser permissions using either nano or gedit. For example, type sudo nano /etc/hosts or sudo gedit /etc/hosts to edit it directly.

      Once you have the hosts file open, you can add new entries to redirect domain names to your local server. The format for each entry is 127.0.0.1 yourdomain.com. After making your changes, save and close the editor (in nano, you can do this with Ctrl + O to save and Ctrl + X to exit). To apply the changes, you usually don’t need to restart the machine, but you may need to restart your browser to resolve the new domains. Always ensure you keep the original comments and formatting intact to avoid any unintended issues. If something goes wrong, you can restore the backup by running sudo cp /etc/hosts.backup /etc/hosts. Following these steps will help you successfully manage your domain name resolutions on Lubuntu.




    2. Modifying the Hosts File in Lubuntu 20.04

      Editing the Hosts File in Lubuntu 20.04

      No worries! Editing the hosts file in Lubuntu is pretty straightforward once you know what to do. Here’s a simple guide to help you out:

      1. Locate the Hosts File

      The hosts file is indeed located in the /etc/ directory. The full path is:

      /etc/hosts

      2. Open the Terminal

      To edit the hosts file, you’ll need to use the terminal. You can open it by searching for “Terminal” in your applications or by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.

      3. Use a Text Editor

      You’ll need to use a text editor, and since this involves editing a system file, you need to do it with superuser (root) privileges. You can use nano, which is simple for beginners.

      Run the following command to open the hosts file:

      sudo nano /etc/hosts

      It’ll ask for your password (the one you use to log into Lubuntu). Just type it in (you won’t see any characters as you type) and hit Enter.

      4. Making Changes

      Once you’re in nano, you can navigate using the arrow keys. To redirect a domain, simply add a new line at the bottom of the file with the format:

      127.0.0.1    example.com

      Replace example.com with the domain you want to redirect to your local server.

      5. Saving Your Changes

      After you’ve made your changes, press Ctrl + O to save. Then hit Enter to confirm the file name. To exit nano, press Ctrl + X.

      6. Backup the Original Hosts File

      Before you make any changes, it’s a good idea to back up the original file just in case. You can do this with the following command:

      sudo cp /etc/hosts /etc/hosts.backup

      7. Restore from Backup if Necessary

      If something goes wrong and you need to restore the original file, just run:

      sudo cp /etc/hosts.backup /etc/hosts

      Be Careful!

      Making incorrect changes can lead to issues, but as long as you follow these steps, you should be fine. Just keep backups of anything you modify, and you’ll be good to go!

      Happy testing!


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