The command results in the following output:
The command completed successfully.
Use these commands to create the directory:
C:> Z:
C:> mkdir test
C:> dir
The commands result in the following output:
Volume in drive Z is Files
Volume Serial Number is 2EE5-053C
Directory of Z:
11/15/00 11:02a <DIR> .
11/15/00 11:02a <DIR> ..
11/15/00 11:02a <DIR> test
If your version of this example shows that the share is accessible and writable, you now have a working file server, albeit a file server without the ability to authenticate or authorize access. For those services, you'll need to learn about Samba's user-level security mode. Excellent starting points for learning more about user-level security are the example configuration file many Samba distributions include, the Samba Web site (http://www.samba.org), or Samba newsgroups and publications.
Troubleshooting Samba
As you set up the share, run the tests I suggest for verifying your configurations. If any test fails, go back to the configuration file and double-check the configurations you were testing.
You can also check your settings by running Samba's testparm program to verify that the configuration file is syntactically correct. In addition, you can use Samba's two log files, log.smb and log.nmb, in /var/log/samba, to determine the cause of a problem. The log.smb file records print- and file-sharing activity. The log.nmb file records name-server activation, such as WINS registration.
Remarkable Possibilities
How far you go beyond this simple file service depends on how deeply you want to delve into Samba and Linux. You can integrate Samba into your NT domain to offer security to your users. Another powerful feature is Samba's ability to serve as a domain's PDC. You can also use Samba to enable your Linux or other UNIX OS servers as print servers for Windows clients. Samba lets users control print jobs completely (e.g., cancel and monitor print jobs, change printers), and you can configure Samba to run outside programs to monitor and log printer usage or even send faxes. For more information about Samba's capabilities, see "Related Articles in Previous Issues."
Samba's usage possibilities are remarkable. As you explore the software, you'll discover its power and flexibility. Whether you use Samba as a limited, closet deployment or as an official move toward Linux and away from NT-based file and print servers, Samba is an obvious choice for your network.