3. Importing Remote SMB Directories

Resumo

This tool allows the system administrator to import remote shared directories based on the SMB protocol (used mainly by Windows®) on the local machine.

While users can individually access remote shares through their file managers, it may be required in some cases to import a specific share for it to become immediately available for all users. We'll go through an example showing you how to import a template directory from a Windows® machine.

Figura 17.8. Scanning the Whole Network

Scanning the Whole Network

Clicking on the Search servers button scans the local network for machines which currently share directories (including the local one). In our example, many servers are available. We'll choose skywalker and we'll make it available locally for all users.

Clicking on a machine's name will try to connect to it and browse for available shares. If that machine has password-protected shares, a dialog will pop up asking you to identify yourself.

Figura 17.9. Authenticating on a Remote Samba Server

Authenticating on a Remote Samba Server

Enter the correct Username, Password and Domain. The available shares on that machine will then appear. Click on the little arrow on the left of the server icon to show available shares.

[Dica]Dica

If the machine you're connecting to has both public and password-protected shares, then canceling the password entry dialog will connect you to that machine, but only to its public shares.

Figura 17.10. Choosing the Remote Directory to Import

Choosing the Remote Directory to Import

Once a share is selected, a Mount point button appears. Clicking on it displays a dialog where you can type the local directory name where remote files will be accessible.

Once this is done, two more buttons appear:

Also, the little icon in front of the shared directory becomes

When you're finished configuring the access points for remote directories, click on Done. A dialog box will appear asking you whether you wish to save your modifications to the /etc/fstab file (where mount point information is usually stored), or not. Click on Yes to make the shares configuration persistent between sessions. Click on No to exit without saving your changes.