How to Configure Samba
Samba is a Linux application that allows for sharing files, cd/dvd-rom drives and printers easily between Windows and Linux computers. You can easily set up a simple file server using Samba.
Step 1 Install Samba on your Linux computer.
sudo apt-get install samba
Step 2 Make sure that Samba is not running.
sudo /etc/init.d/samba stop
Step 3 Move the default configuration to a backup file.
sudo mv /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf.bkup
Step 4 Create a new version of smb.conf file.
sudo gedit /etc/samba/smb.conf
Step 5 Copy this sample configuration file into smb.conf
[global]
workgroup = WORKGROUP
netbios name = MYNAME
[homes]
comment = Home Directories
valid users = %S
read only = No
browseable = No
[shared folders]
path = /shared_files/
browseable = yes
read only = no
guest ok = no
Each section is explained below. Remember to change the variable parameters to reflect your information.
[global]
workgroup = WORKGROUP
netbios name = MYNAME
username map = /etc/samba/smbusers
The workgroup is the name of your Windows Workgroup. It can be found under Start -> Control Panel -> System -> Computer Name.
The netbios name is the name of the Linux computer. It is how you browse the Linux computer from Windows.
[homes]
comment = Home Directories
valid users = %S
read only = No
browseable = No
Users can access their own home directories. The %S option ensures that only users must use their user name to access their files.
[share]
path = /shared_files/
browseable = yes
read only = no
guest ok = no
The path will be the path that the client computers will be able to access. According to the rules above, you can browse the shared directory; it is not read only, and users must log in to view the directory.
Step 6 Test the smb.conf file.
sudo testparm
Step 7 Add users to the Linux machine.
useradd -c "New User" -m -g users -p Passwd1 newuser
The useradd command has the syntax useradd [options] username. The example above has the following options:
-c is the comments section which is used for the user's Full Name
-m says to create the user's home directory
-g is the group name for the user's initial log in group.
-p is the user's password
Step 8 Let Samba know about the Users.
sudo smbpasswd -a newuser
sudo smbpasswd -e newuser
The smbpasswd command has the syntax smbpasswd [options] username. The -a option says to add the user to the local smbpasswd file. The -e option says to enable the user.
smbpasswd will ask you for a password. You need to supply the password that you use on the Windows machine. If you do not have a password for Windows, just press Enter.
Tips & Warnings
The default smb.conf file has detailed comments for each section. It is a good idea to read through it before creating a new one. S.W.A.T is a web based graphical interface for configuring Samba. It can be accessed by typing http://localhost:901/ in your browser's address bar.
References
The Official Samba How To
www.ehow.com
Last modified by P.Saenmuk 2010-04-30 EMail:panya@spcom.co.th http://www.spcom.co.th เอสพี.คอมพิวเตอร์ เทคโนโลยี