How to make a Linux or Windows file server in a windows environment.?

K

Kira

New member
I want to know how to make a file server with a Linux based OS, but i want the server to be used in a windows based environment (1 desktop running Vista, 2 laptops running Vista, 1 laptop running Windows 7 RC, and a Mac book Running Leopard). I wanted to know if its possible make a file server running a Linux OS with no problems and easy to set up.

But if there is a problem because of vista or the mac, would it be better to make a file server with windows server.

I would like easy instructions for both if possible.

Please don't say any comments like go get Apple computers instead or make my computers run a Linux OS, that would be greatly appreciated.
 
A Linux file server can "share" file systems and/or folders by using a Windows construct called SMB. A free program called SAMBA can be installed into a Linux box, and configured so that folders can be shared and access privileges given to a variety of client systems.

Macs are able to use SMB (they can also use SMB to share folders with Windows clients; this is built in to Macs).

The instructions for using SAMBA are beyond the scope of YA! But there is plenty of documentation, wikis, and forums that will assist you in setting it up.
 
Install SAMBA onto your linux box. This will set up windows shares.

If you're using ubuntu, just use the command sudo apt-get install samba. Then you can edit the config with "sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf" to define whatever shares and permissions you need to. Once you're done use the command sudo /etc/init.d/samba restart
 
I have a Linux server that has at one time or another handled all the OSs you mentioned except Win7RC
Samba can be a bit of a pain during setup, so I try to get all the help I can. That's why my distro of choice is OpenSuse. Yast does a great job setting up the Samba config file. But the choice (which is what Linux is all about is up to you.

For OpenSuse, you are asked what you plan to use the machine for. By selecting file and print server Samba is loaded during install
You need to crate a share (user) for each person that will access the server.
Then set up Samba using YAST
You will need to work on the firewall settings to get the firewall to let Samba work.
Once set up, enter the user passwords and you will have a solid file server.
There's a ton of how to's, sample smb.config files and documentation on the web. Far more than you ever find with MS. What you want to do has been done, and is being done every day

Best of Luck
 
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