Using Nautilus to Easily Share Linux Folders With Your Network

For those who want to get file sharing up and running as fast as possible, Ubuntu’s (I am using Hardy Heron) Nautilus file manager achieves that goal nicely. Here is a quick howto.

1. Open a terminal.
2. Type: sudo vi /etc/samba/smb.conf
3. Add the line “usershare owner only = False”  to the [global] section.
4. Go to Places->Computer.
5. Navigate to the folder that you want to share.
6. Right click that folder and choose “Sharing Options”.
7. Check the box that says “Share this folder”.
8. Choose your share name and check the box that says “Allow other people to write in this folder” if that is your intention.

Now you should be able to see and access the shared folder from your network.