A Journey with Linux: Part 2

Judging by the feedback generated over the Linux article in our last issue (TNPC #2.18) we seem to have really hit a nerve. Many of you are either currently using Linux or wanting to try it in some capacity. One note we received from TNPCer Bill B. has caused me to rethink the direction my personal network is taking. Bill, who runs the Linux machine that sends out TNPC, decided that he would like to set up the Samba system for all of his data files keeping them away from the ups and downs, crashes, and reinstalls of the Windows operating system. This is a good approach and exploits the strengths of both operating systems. Windows lets him use the applications he is familiar while Linux keeps his data running in a very stable environment. I found the idea intriguing and have set that priority ahead of making my Linux machine the firewall/proxy Internet gateway for my home.

With this change of direction I'll be spending my free time (what's that?) migrating my data to Samba shares. After the data is in place I plan to alter the automated backup procedure to utilize the new drive layout. Then I'll begin setting all of my applications to point to the Samba shares by default. Only after I get all of this running smoothly will I go back and revisit Internet connectivity.

For those of you unfamiliar with Samba, it allows a Linux machine to appear on a Windows network. When it is configured correctly it will handle the logins from all of your Windows boxes and serve files and print jobs between other machines. Setting up Samba proved to be very simple, unfortunately breaking it also proved to be simple. Twice I've set up Samba and twice I've messed it up, both times due to my own monkeying around and not following the directions! In both instances reading and following the instructions in the included file DIAGNOSIS.txt saved my bacon. I would recommend printing this file out and having it handy before starting your own Samba installation. You'll find a link to DIAGNOSIS.txt at the end of this article.

Next time I'll discuss exactly how I set up the Samba shares and discuss why you would or wouldn't want to set up a Linux box for yourself.

Resources mentioned in the article:

Samba Web Site:
http://www.samba.org/

Samba Trouble Shooting Document:
http://us2.samba.org/samba/docs/DIAGNOSIS.html

The Unofficial Guide to PCs (Backing Up - Chapter 11)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/
0789717972/tnpcnewsletter/