This is the third post of this series which shows you how to install, configure and manage Samba in Ubuntu. The second post can be found here.
In this post, we’re going to show you how to change Samba workgroup in Ubuntu. This should also apply to other Linux distributions, but are main focus here is Ubuntu.
You see, when it comes to file sharing, a workgroup is kind of like a container which contains computers. Each computer that belongs to a workgroup can see other’s machine resources that are shared in that workgroup. They are in the same domain.
So, in other to effectively access and share resources with other computers in the same workgroup, you must make sure that they all belong to the workgroup (container).
It’s not required to belong to a workgroup to access resources of other computers. It’s just that it makes it easier to access resources of computers in the same workgroup.
In part one of the series, we showed you how to install Samba on both Ubuntu server and desktop. Part two shows you how to configure Samba access, including creating a samba user and providing access to resources.
Now it’s time to show you how to change or modify Samba’s workgroup.
Changing Samba Workgroup for both Ubuntu Server and Desktop
This method should apply to both Ubuntu server and desktop. It allows you to change the workgroup and resolver order so that sharing is made possible.
To get started, open the terminal and run the commands below to open Samba configuration file.
sudo gedit /etc/samba/smb.conf
Then edit the file so that the workgroup matches what you want it to be. Also, add the next line to set the name resolver order. This is important in some cases where Ubuntu failed to retrieve share list from server.
replace WORKGROUP with the workgroup name you want under “Global Settings”.
Save the file and you’re done. Although you can change the workgroup name using Samba GUI config tool, doing it here might work as well.
Using the config file also allows you to set the name resolve order list.
Restart Samba or restart your computer to view systems of the same workgroup.
This is how you change Ubuntu Samba workgroup name.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to change Samba workgroup in Ubuntu?
To change Samba workgroup in Ubuntu, open the terminal and edit the Samba configuration file located at /etc/samba/smb.conf. Adjust the workgroup setting to match your desired workgroup name.
What is the purpose of a workgroup in Samba?
In Samba, a workgroup acts as a container that holds computers. Computers within the same workgroup can access shared resources of other machines in the same workgroup.
Can computers in different workgroups share resources in Samba?
While it's not necessary for computers to belong to the same workgroup to share resources in Samba, being in the same workgroup can simplify access to shared resources.
How to configure Samba access in Ubuntu?
To configure Samba access in Ubuntu, follow the steps outlined in the Samba configuration file (/etc/samba/smb.conf). Create a Samba user and provide access to desired resources.
What is the importance of resolver order in Samba?
Resolver order in Samba is crucial for name resolution. Setting the resolver order properly can help Ubuntu retrieve information needed for sharing resources.
How to change resolver order in Samba configuration?
To change the resolver order in Samba configuration, edit the smb.conf file and add the necessary line to specify the preferred name resolver order.
Can Samba workgroup be modified in Ubuntu Server and Desktop?
Yes, the method to change Samba workgroup applies to both Ubuntu Server and Desktop. Open the terminal, edit the smb.conf file, and adjust the workgroup setting as needed.
Why is changing Samba workgroup necessary for file sharing?
Changing Samba workgroup is essential for effective file sharing as it allows computers within the same workgroup to easily access and share resources with each other.
