What would you suggest as a default common computer name? I have tried to use an empty one, but I was unable to boot, well at least I have learnt, how to fix that.
In Linux, I generally stick with whatever the default is: debian, host, etc. But when I'm working with a bunch of VPS, I give them unique names, to avoid confusion. Like "rm -r ~/" on the wrong one
Indeed, I am actually wondering, how to avoid it being discoverable as suggested, I guess, that disabling network sharing services prevents it?
Windows is very chatty, for sure. But I've forgotten the specifics, and there's probably new craziness in Windows 10. There's probably a trick with WebRTC that leaks hostname.
I've been using MadMacs for years every time I boot my PC MadMacs randomizes my MAC address (and host name) in Windows. MadMACs: MAC Address Spoofing and Host Name Randomizing App for Windows 7 (Should work in Windows Vista and Windows 8 too) https://www.irongeek.com/i.php?page=security/madmacs-mac-spoofer