We've modified bash slightly on DICE. If you want to personalise it you should use the startup files described below.
For full details, type this at a shell prompt:
man bashdefenv
This is how the startup files behave on DICE Ubuntu:
~/.brc is executed every time a new shell starts. Use it for aliases.
~/.benv is executed every time a shell starts in a new environment. Use this to set environmental variables or functions, for example - things which can be exported to subshells.
~/.bprofile is executed when you login (except when logging in to a remote desktop - so you might be better off using ~/.benv).
~/.inputrc is used to set the key bindings for command line editing operations.
~/.bash_logout is unchanged from the standard bash name and behaviour. See man bash for definitive advice.
We do not recommend using the standard .bashrc, .bash_env or .bash_profile files.
You can add directories to bash's command search path using setpath as an alternative to manipulating the $PATH variable directly. This helps set up the search path in the right order. For more details, type this at a shell prompt:
man setpath