What is Samba File Server?

1. Enables you to share files across different OS over a network.
2. Also enables you to use print & file services for various Microsoft Windows clients and can integrate with a MS Server domain either a Domain Controller or as a Domain Member.
3. Ubuntu comes with Samba.
4. Ubuntu 18.04 LTS supports file sharing with MS Windows 10 or other versions.

Installing Samba

Run the following commands in Terminal:

sudo apt update

→ To update package information.

sudo apt install samba

→ To install Samba.

whereis samba

.To check installation location / status of Samba

→ Example path: /usr/sbin/samba

Setting Up Samba

Create a shared folder

Run:

mkdir /home/<username>/sambashare

→ Create a folder for sharing.

Configuration File for Samba

Edit Samba configuration file:

/etc/samba/smb.conf

→ This is the main configuration file for Samba.

Configuring Shared Directory

1. Edit Samba Configuration File

To add a new shared directory, edit the Samba config file by running:

sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf

→ This opens the file in the nano text editor.

2. Add Configuration at Bottom

At the bottom of the file, add the following lines:

[sharedrive]
comment = Samba on Ubuntu
path = /home/tgsadmin/sambashare
read only = no
browsable = yes

Explanation of fields:

• [sharedrive] → Name of the shared folder
• comment → Description of the share
• path → Actual directory location on Ubuntu
• read only = no → Allows users to write/delete files
• browsable = yes → Makes folder visible on network

After adding this:

• Press Ctrl + O → to save
• Press Ctrl + X → to exit nano editor

3. Restart Samba Service

Now that we have configured the new share, restart Samba so it takes effect:

sudo service smbd restart

4. Allow Samba Through Firewall

To allow Samba traffic through Ubuntu firewall, run:

sudo ufw allow samba

5. Setting Up Samba User Account

Since Samba does not use the system user password, we need to create a Samba user.

Run:

sudo smbpasswd -a <username>

Example:

sudo smbpasswd -a tgsadmin

You will be prompted to:

• Enter new Samba password
• Confirm password

Note: This password is used when accessing the shared folder from Windows or other systems.

Connecting to Samba Share

A. On Ubuntu

1. Open Default File Manager → Click on Connect to Server.
2. In the server address field, type:

smb://<IP-address>/sharedrive

Example:

smb://192.168.29.37/sambashare

Then click Connect.

B. On Windows

1. Open File Manager (File Explorer) or Window + R button to open Run Box
2. In the address bar, type:

\\IP-address\sharedrive

Example:

\\192.168.29.37\sambashare

Press Enter → This will prompt for user & password to open the shared folder from the Samba server.

Enter Correct User & Password (Created at Step 5)

After Successful Authentication Share Directory (sambashare) will be accessible

C. Alternative Method (Search Option)

1. Click on Start Menu.
2. Open Search Bar.
3. Type the server IP address in this format:

\\IP-address

Then press Enter to browse available shared folders.

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