SMB

Setup guide for sharing files over a local network using Samba (SMB/CIFS) between Linux and other devices.

Server

Install
Section titled “Install”

Install the SMB server package to enable file sharing.
Terminal window
```
sudo apt update && sudo apt install samba -y
```
Set SMB password
Section titled “Set SMB password”

Samba uses its own password database. It must be set manually, even if it’s the same as your login password.
Terminal window
```
sudo smbpasswd -a {{USERNAME_VAR}}
```
Enable the user (usually automatic, but safe to ensure):
Terminal window
```
sudo smbpasswd -e {{USERNAME_VAR}}
```

smb.conf

sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf

[shared]
   path = {{SMB_SHARE_VAR}}
   read only = no
   browsable = yes
   guest ok = no

Restart service
Section titled “Restart service”
Terminal window
```
sudo systemctl restart smbd
```
Optionally enable on boot:
Terminal window
```
sudo systemctl enable smbd
```
Allow through firewall (optional)
Section titled “Allow through firewall (optional)”

Allow Samba UDP ports (NetBIOS).
Terminal window
```
sudo ufw allow from {{SUBNET_VAR}} to any port 137,138 proto udp
```
Allow Samba TCP ports (SMB).
Terminal window
```
sudo ufw allow from {{SUBNET_VAR}} to any port 139,445 proto tcp
```

Client

Access share
Section titled “Access share”
```
smb://{{SERVER_IP_VAR}}/shared
```
Or using hostname (if mDNS/Avahi is working):
```
smb://{{HOSTNAME_VAR}}.local/shared
```
Notes:
- Replace shared with your share name.
- .local requires Avahi (avahi-daemon) on the server and client.
- If hostname does not resolve, use the server IP instead.
Connect via terminal (temporary)
Section titled “Connect via terminal (temporary)”

Install required packages for terminal access:
Terminal window
```
sudo apt install smbclient cifs-utils -y
```
Terminal window
```
smbclient //{{SERVER_IP_VAR}}/shared -U {{USERNAME_VAR}}
```