[Samba] Oplocks -- Simultaneously writing to same file

[AndyLiebman at aol.com]

On my small network, I allow users on 6 Windows machines to read and write 
the same Linux Share. Can anyone tell me whether the smb.conf file listed below 
will get me into trouble with users opening -- and possibly writing -- the 
SAME FILE simultaneously? 

I have read the documentation on oplocks and I'm not sure I understand it 
sufficiently. I need a simple plain English explanation of how to use it (and 
whether I need to use it). What are the different settings and what effect do 
they have? 

Most of my files are primarily being read (they are video files for a 
networked video editing system). However, there is a database file -- more or less, 
and index of all the videofiles that is frequently changing -- that all Windows 
clients must be able to read and overwrite. 

Until this week, I was using Windows 2000 Server to provide access to all my 
video files -- as well as the database file. Over the course of a year, I 
never had any problems or conflicts with two machines trying to write the same 
database file at the same time. 

I want to be sure I continue without problems now that I have switched to 
Linux as my server. Is the default behavior of Samba on Linux the same as Windows 
2000 with regards to simultaneously opening and possibly writing one file?

Your advice would be appreciated. 


# Global parameters
[global]
         workgroup = RESWORLD
         server string = Avidserver
         encrypt passwords = yes
         printcap name = cups
         printing = cups
         security=user


[raid_A]
         path = /home/avidserver/raid
         guest account = avidfiles
         guest ok = yes
         write ok = yes
         host allow = ALL
         force user = avidfiles
         force group = avidusers


Andy Liebman