Linux (Fedora Core 3) and Mac OSX

Hi,

I am setting up a home network that has the following machines:
1. Apple Powerbook running latest Panther (10.3.x)
2. Linux Fedora Core 3 with latest 2.6 kernel to be used as a print server and web server (m/c is called ANISA)
3. Windows XP Pro SP 2 laptop (wife's)
4. Windows XP Pro SP 2 PC (I use for Quicken and minimal activities)

I just created my Linux m/c and am trying to get it configured for hosting a couple of home directories and the HP printer that is connected to it via USB and has been successfulyl installed on it.

I have been following the directions at the Official HOWTO for configuring a standalone server: http://us4.samba.org/samba/docs/man/Samba-HOWTO-Collection/FastStart.html#id2529194
My design is to have a single workgroup called WORKGROUP that all machines will be part of. I have had limited success in that using direct connection requests I can mount directories on the Mac or the Linux machine (not dared to check Windows yet). The problem is that the machines do not browse successfully and each thinks it is the Master Local Browser. The nmbd logs from neither machine is particularly useful as they have lines that simply state they are forcing election, becoming master etc.

I would appreciate any help and guidance.
Regards,
akb

Some output attached below.

Here is output from commands run on my Mac (I get the same from the Linux m/c):
[MyMac:~] me% smbclient -N -L anisa
Anonymous login successful
Domain=[WORKGROUP] OS=[Unix] Server=[Samba 3.0.10-1.fc3]        
Sharename       Type      Comment        
---------       ----      -------        
IPC$            IPC       IPC Service (anisaSamba Server)        
ADMIN$          IPC       IPC Service (anisaSamba Server)

Anonymous login successful
Domain=[WORKGROUP] OS=[Unix] Server=[Samba 3.0.10-1.fc3]        
Server               Comment        
---------            -------        
ANISA                anisaSamba Server        

Workgroup            Master        
---------            -------        
WORKGROUP            ANISA

[MyMac:~] me% smbclient -N -L localhost
Anonymous login successful
Domain=[WORKGROUP] OS=[Unix] Server=[Samba 3.0.5]        
Sharename       Type      Comment        
---------       ----      -------        
IPC$            IPC       IPC Service (Mac OS X)        
ADMIN$          IPC       IPC Service (Mac OS X)

Anonymous login successful
Domain=[WORKGROUP] OS=[Unix] Server=[Samba 3.0.5]        
Server               Comment        
---------            -------        
MYMAC                Mac OS X        

Workgroup            Master        
---------            -------        
WORKGROUP            MYMAC

Here is the smb.conf from Anisa (the Linux m/c):
# Samba config file created using SWAT
# from 127.0.0.1 (127.0.0.1)
# Date: 2005/03/24 19:02:56

# Global parameters
[global]
    server string = anisaSamba Server
    username map = /etc/samba/smbusers
    log file = /var/log/samba/%m.log
    max log size = 50
    socket options = TCP_NODELAY SO_RCVBUF=8192 SO_SNDBUF=8192
    disable spoolss = Yes
    show add printer wizard = No
    dns proxy = No
    ldap ssl = no
    idmap uid = 16777216-33554431
    idmap gid = 16777216-33554431
    cups options = raw

[homes]
    comment = Home Directories
    read only = No
    browseable = No

[printers]
    comment = All Printers
    path = /var/spool/samba
    printer admin = root, me
    guest ok = Yes
    printable = Yes
    use client driver = Yes
    browseable = No
 

Are you running the Samba as a Primary Domain Controller ?
You mention simple sharing for a workgroup so I assume not.
You don't need user mapping as your are not part of a Microsoft Domain.

Anyway, your smb.conf should look like this on the main Samba server (which is doing the sharing)

[global]
    server string = anisaSamba Server
    workgroup = Anisa
    security = share
    encrypt passwords = yes # not really required in this case)
    og file = /var/log/samba/%m.log
    max log size = 50
    socket options = TCP_NODELAY SO_RCVBUF=8192 SO_SNDBUF=8192
    read raw = no
    write raw = no # You'll get better performance)
    oslevel = 40
    preferred master = yes
    local master = yes
    browse list = yes
    enhanced browsing = yes # no necessary on single subnet  LANS
    printing = cups # if you are using CUPS
       
# And the rest of your shares....

[homes]
    comment = Home Directories
    read only = No
    browseable = No

[printers]
    comment = All Printers
    path = /var/spool/samba
    printer admin = root, me
    guest ok = Yes
    printable = Yes
    use client driver = Yes
    browseable = No
       
Hope it helps.

Rakesh

"If you always do what you've always done, you will always be where you've always been."