Running a File Server Most networked computers are
Running a File Server Most networked computers are on the network in the first place so that users can share information. Some users need to collectively edit documents for a project, share access to spreadsheets and forms used in the daily operation of a company, or perform any number of similar file-sharing activities. It also can be efficient for groups of people on a computer network to share common applications and directories of information needed to do their jobs. By far the best way to accomplish the centralized sharing of data is through a file server. A centralized file server can be backed up, preserving all stored data in one fell swoop. It can focus on the tasks of getting files to end users, rather than running user applications that can use client resources. And a centralized file server can be used to control access to information security settings can dictate who can access what. Linux systems include support for each of the most common file server protocols in use today. Among the most common file server types in use today are the Network File System (NFS), which has always been the file-sharing protocol of choice for Linux and other UNIX systems and Samba (SMB protocol), which is often used by networks with many Windows and OS/2 computers. This chapter describes how to set up file servers and clients associated with NFS and Samba and how to set up NetWare file servers set up in Linux. When selecting file services to provide, keep in mind that less is more. If your clients and servers support multiple-file access capabilities (NFS, SMB, and AppleTalk, for example), pick the service that lends itself to making the task less complicated. In many cases NFS is supported by clients and servers regardless of the operating system that they use. It s rare that you would need to enable more than one of the file services discussed in this chapter. Tip 2C H A6P6T E R . . . . In This Chapter Setting up an NFS file server in Linux Setting up a Samba file server in Linux . . . .
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