How to install Samba Server on AlmaLinux 9

Introduction

Samba is an open-source software that facilitates file and printer sharing between Linux/Unix and Windows operating systems. On AlmaLinux 9, Samba enables the setup of a flexible and secure file-sharing server suitable for enterprise and personal environments.

This guide will help you install and configure Samba on AlmaLinux 9 to set up a file-sharing server within a local network.

1. Installing Samba

1.1 Update the System

Before installing, ensure your system is up to date:

dnf update -y

1.2 Install Samba Packages

Install the Samba package using the following command:

dnf install -y samba samba-common samba-client

1.3 Check Samba Version

After installation, verify the Samba version:

smbd --version

2. Configuring Samba

2.1 Create Samba Group and User

groupadd smbgroup
useradd -M -s /sbin/nologin -G smbgroup smbuser
smbpasswd -a smbuser

2.2 Create Shared Directory

Create the shared directory and set permissions:

mkdir -p /srv/samba/shared
chmod 770 /srv/samba/shared
chown smbuser:smbgroup /srv/samba/shared

mkdir -p: Create the directory.

chmod 770: Grant full access to the owner and group, deny others.

chown smbuser:smbgroup: Set the owner and group.

2.3 Backup Default Configuration File

Before making changes, back up the original configuration file:

cp /etc/samba/smb.conf /etc/samba/smb.conf.bak

2.4 Edit Configuration File

Open the configuration file using the vi or nano editor:

nano /etc/samba/smb.conf

Add the following content to create a shared folder:

[shared]
   path = /srv/samba/shared
   read only = no
   browsable = yes
   writable = yes
   guest ok = no
   valid users = @smbgroup

This Samba configuration creates a shared folder with controlled access:

• Path: /srv/samba/shared

• Access: Only users in smbgroup (valid users = @smbgroup)

• Permissions: Read & write enabled (read only = no, writable = yes)

• Visibility: Visible on the network (browsable = yes)

• Authentication: No guest access (guest ok = no)

3. Starting and Enabling Samba

3.1 Start Samba Service

systemctl enable --now smb nmb

3.2 Check Service Status

systemctl status smb nmb

4. Configuring Firewall

Open the necessary ports for Samba to function:

firewall-cmd --add-service=samba --permanent
firewall-cmd --reload

5. Testing Connectivity

From a Windows client, check connectivity using the command:

Access the shared folder on Windows:

 Open File Explorer and enter: \\IP-Server\ (replace IP-Server with the actual IP).

Log in with:

Username: smbuser

Password: (previously set password).Open the “share” folder.

Create a file on Windows:

• • • Inside the “share” folder, right-click → New → Text Document.

    • Name it myfile.txt, add some content, and save.

Verify in the Samba server.

 

6. Uninstalling Samba

If you no longer need Samba, you can uninstall it using the following steps:

6.1 Stop and Disable Samba Services

systemctl stop smb nmb
systemctl disable smb nmb

6.2 Remove Samba Packages

dnf remove -y samba samba-common samba-client

6.3 Delete Configuration Files and Shared Folder (Optional)

If you want to remove all Samba configuration files, run:

rm -rf /etc/samba
rm -rf /srv/samba

6.4 Delete Samba User and Group (Optional)

sudo userdel smbuser
sudo groupdel smbgroup

Conclusion

You have successfully installed, configured, and uninstalled a Samba server on AlmaLinux 9. Samba enables secure file sharing within a local network and can be easily removed when no longer needed. You can further fine-tune access permissions to suit your specific requirements.