Linux, Samba, and Macintosh's

[DavidAtkinson at solectron.com]

There is no common locking system that I'm aware of, but mostly this isn't
an issue. The biggest problem I find is keeping the passwords in sync if you
use encrypted passwords for Samba or Netatalk. I believe that there is,
however, some work being done on file locking issues by the Netatalk team
which is noted in their FAQ'o'matic and mailing lists. You can also get
around this by setting up the mac and pc users with separate shares and only
put what has to be common in common shares. It should (in most cases be
documents that are being worked on). If you advise your users to be careful
and keep regular backups you should be fine.


Regards,
David Atkinson

System Administrator
Solectron Australia
Phone: +61 3 5720-2556
Mobile: +61 4 1957-4112
Fax: +61 3 5720-2412 or +61 2 8304-1206


-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Morris [mailto:Jim at Morris.net]
Sent: Friday, 26 October 2001 12:34 PM
To: Gary MacKay
Cc: samba-ntdom at lists.samba.org
Subject: Re: Linux, Samba, and Macintosh's


Gary MacKay wrote:

> OK, I was just about to bring a new samba server online to replace an
> ageing Novell server, when a student walks up and says, Kool, but will I
> still be able to connect with my Macintosh? "D*^n, I forgot about them"
> I says. Before I get rode out of town, does anyone know how to connect
> them to samba? I've seen in the kernel where I can compile in the
> AppleTalk protocol, but I've never used it, and have no idea if it will
> play nicely with samba.


Have you considered using Netatalk to provide file and print services to 
the Macintosh users?  I think it will coexist peacefully with Samba. Not 
sure how file locking is handled if a Samba user and a Netatalk user try 
to use the same exact file...

Check it out at http://netatalk.sourceforge.net.

Jim Morris (Jim at Morris.net)