Ubuntu's default ~/.bashrc (copied over from /etc/skel/.bashrc when you create new user accounts) overrides PS1 when $TERM is xterm*. When you open new terminal windows or tabs, bash sources /etc/bash.bashrc and then ~/.bashrc, and thus your global PS1 setting is overwritten.
Do the change in ~/.bashrc instead of in /etc and you'll be fine. ** Changed in: gnome-terminal (Ubuntu) Status: New => Invalid -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Bugs, which is subscribed to Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1406980 Title: /etc/profile does not get sourced when logging into a terminal window To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/gnome-terminal/+bug/1406980/+subscriptions -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs