3. Importing Remote SMB Directories

Abstract

This tool allows the system administrator to give users access to remotely shared directories using the SMB protocol (used mainly by Windows®).

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 directory from a Windows® machine.

Figure 11.3. Scanning the Whole Network

Scanning the Whole Network

Choose a Server. Clicking on the Search servers button scans the local network for machines which currently share directories (including the local one). We'll choose one of them and make it available locally for all users.

Choose a Share. 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 pops up asking you to identify yourself. Enter the correct Username, Password and Domain. The available shares on that machine will then appear. Click on the little arrow at the left of the machine icon to show available shares.

[Tip] Tip

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.

Figure 11.4. 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:

Import Share on Each Reboot. 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.