Question: I feel stupid asking, but I can't seem to find the answer to this anywhere. I'm trying to follow [these instructions](http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=614743) to edit my bash prompt, but there is no `.bashrc` in either my user directory (`~/.bashrc`), or in my home directory, or in the main file system directory. 

There is no `.bashrc` in `/etc/` (there is a `bash.bashrc`, however). 

Do I create a `.bashrc` file in my user or home directory? Is there a better, more recent set of instructions for modifying the bash prompt?

Answer: 
Use `gedit ~/.bashrc`, it will allow you to modify `~/.bashrc` using gedit.
Bashrc file is a hidden file inside the home directory. It is actually, give the path directions.

And those are wanted to edit `.bashrc` file, try this command `gedit ~/.bashrc` instead of this `~/.bashrc` .

This command `gedit ~/.bashrc` directly take you to the text editor, where you can edit it easily, as you know.