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Samba HowTo Guide
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Example Configuration

There are sample configuration files in the examples subdirectory in the source code distribution tarball package. It is suggested you read them carefully so you can see how the options go together in practice. See the man page for all the options. It might be worthwhile to start out with the smb.conf.default configuration file and adapt it to your needs. It contains plenty of comments.

The simplest useful configuration file would contain something like that shown in Another simple smb.conf File.

Example1.2.Another simple smb.conf File

[global]
workgroup = MIDEARTH
[homes]
guest ok = no
read only = no

This will allow connections by anyone with an account on the server, using either their login name or homes as the service name. (Note: The workgroup that Samba should appear in must also be set. The default workgroup name is WORKGROUP.)

Make sure you put the smb.conf file in the correct place. Note, the correct location of this file depends on how the binary files were built. You can discover the correct location by executing from the directory that contains the smbd command file:

root#  smbd -b | grep smb.conf

For more information about security settings for the [homes] share, please refer to Securing Samba.

Test Your Config File with testparm

It's important to validate the contents of the smb.conf file using the testparm program. If testparm runs correctly, it will list the loaded services. If not, it will give an error message. Make sure it runs correctly and that the services look reasonable before proceeding. Enter the command:

	root#  testparm /etc/samba/smb.conf
	

Testparm will parse your configuration file and report any unknown parameters or incorrect syntax. It also performs a check for common misconfigurations and will issue a warning if one is found.

Always run testparm again whenever the smb.conf file is changed!

The smb.conf file is constantly checked by the Samba daemons smbd and every instance of itself that it spawns, nmbd and winbindd . It is good practice to keep this file as small as possible. Many administrators prefer to document Samba configuration settings and thus the need to keep this file small goes against good documentation wisdom. One solution that may be adopted is to do all documentation and configuration in a file that has another name, such as smb.conf.master. The testparm utility can be used to generate a fully optimized smb.conf file from this master configuration and documtenation file as shown here:

root#  testparm -s smb.conf.master > smb.conf

This administrative method makes it possible to maintain detailed configuration change records while at the same time keeping the working smb.conf file size to the minimum necessary.

Samba HowTo Guide
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