[Samba] Home Lan computer browser(s)

[David C. Rankin]

Skip Guenter wrote:
> Reading this list makes me think my questions are child's play for ya'll.
> 
> */1) //Should I have more than one "computer browser" on my lan /*/(~16 
> machines)/*/?/*
>

	You are thinking about the computer that will hold the "master browse list" 
for netbios name resolution. The answer to your question - NO, there is no 
need. One of the samba servers on your lan will win the browse election and 
become the master browser. Each other machine will hold a copy of the browse 
list. If the master dies, then the normal election rules apply and another box 
will become the master. The master can serve thousands of clients. (hundreds at 
least) There is no need for a backup. Netbios name resolution has nothing to do 
with a Primary Domain Controller (PDC) or Backup Domain Controller (BDC).

>  os level = nnn (0 to 255)
>  preferred master = yes/no
>  domain master = yes/no
>  local master = yes/no

	For the box that is the samba server, presumably the one that is always on, 
Just set the os level higher than that of the other boxes. Browse election 
rules are discussed at:

http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/samba2/book/ch07.html Setting os level greater 
than 32 will insure that your samba box will win the election over all Win boxes.

> 
> My problem is I'm not sure how the settings should vary from "primary" 
> to "backup".  To have one of the samba machines be primary (let's say 
> the machine I'm calling C20) would these parms work:
> 
> /*2) If so, can you help me with these settings? */
> 
> C20... the primary computer browser?
> 
> os level = 36
> preferred master = yes
> domain master = yes
> local master = yes
> 
> Then on C19... the backup computer browser?
> 
> os level = 35
> preferred master = ??
> domain master = ??
> local master = ??
> 
> I think this would make C20 "win an election" but would this make them 
> both win an "election" over the winXP machine should one come on-line 
> with computer browser set on?  Are there better settings and / or are 
> some of these not needed for my little world?
> 
> Thanx, Skip
> 

Weedhopper, just read http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/samba2/book/ch07.html and 
all will become clear ;-)

-- 
David C. Rankin, J.D., P.E.
Rankin Law Firm, PLLC
510 Ochiltree Street
Nacogdoches, Texas 75961
Telephone: (936) 715-9333
Facsimile: (936) 715-9339
www.rankinlawfirm.com