MX-14: Samba

Note: RC=right click
Introduction
Samba is a cross-platform network file sharing protocol for Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X.
Connecting to Shares
See the explanation of how to use Thunar to connect.
Network Printing
Samba on MX-14 allows printing via the network to shared printers on other computers (Windows, Mac, Linux) and NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices offering Samba services.
Using the MX-14 Printing Utility to Set Up Printers
- Click Start menu > Printing - Configure Printers utility
- Select Server > New > Printer
- Select Network Printer > Windows Printer via SAMBA
- In the dialog window for smb:// enter either servername/printername or server-ipaddress/printername. For example: bigserver/usbprinter1 or 192.168.0.100/printer2
- If you have trouble identifying the server and printer names, click Start menu > System > MX Find Shares for details.
- Leave the button selected for Prompt user if authentication is required, then click Forward
- Leave the button selected for Select printer from database and then click Forward
- Select the driver and then Forward
- Describe Printer if necessary and then Apply
- When the printer appears in the window, RC Properties > Print Test Page to make sure the connection and driver are operating correctly.
Using the MX-14 Printers (CUPS) Utility to Set Up Printers
- Click Start menu > Printers (CUPS) -- Manage Printers in a Browser utility
- Select Adding Printers and Classes > Add Printer
- In the dialog window enter root's password
- In Add Printer > select appropriate choice (e.g., Windows Printer via SAMBA) > Continue
- In the Connection window, enter smb://servername/printername using same method of finding these names as in Printing utility instructions above > Continue
- Enter printer name and descriptions as you would like...Do not tick Share This Printer > Continue
- Select the printer Make > Continue > Add Printer > choose various options > Set Default Options
- Go to Maintenance > Print Test Page to make sure the connection and driver are operating correctly
Creating Shares
On MX, Samba can also be used to create Shares for other computers (Windows, Mac, Linux) to access. Creating Public Shares is fairly straightforward, but keep in mind that creating Samba Shares is a complex area from a configuration perspective. For example, the task creating Shares that are specific to individual users and are authenticated properly is beyond the scope of this help. Comprehensive reference guides can be found at Using Samba and Samba.org.
Basic method
Click Start menu > System > Samba to bring up the Samba Server Configuration tool. Click on the plus sign icon to add a share; details available by clicking on the Help icon. A good video on this is available here.
Manual method
If for some reason you need or want to create shares manually, you will need to follow the following steps. A helpful video on the topic is available here.
Help
- On Samba, the e-book Using Samba contains useful guidance.