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: 
It is hidden because of the '.' it starts with.

list it with

`ls -al`

or enable "show hidden files" under the view menu in nautilus (Ctrl-H will also do the trick).

You can edit it with your favorite text editor from your home directory e.g.

`cd` 

to go to your home directory then:

`emacs .bashrc`
If `.bashrc` is not in your home folder, even after you list the hidden files, you can copy it from: 

```
/etc/skel/.bashrc

```