The Linux file server process starts on the Windows side. Work on only one Windows PC at first. Once you get one Windows PC talking to your Linux file server, you can add more PCs, but for now, let's keep things simple and start with one Windows PC.

Note that networking goes easier if the user ID and password on the Windows side are the same those used on the Linux side. Open the Windows Control Panel and click on User Accounts to set up a user account with ID and password identical to a Linux user. Unfortunately, we have to get a little technical here in order to find the Internet Protocol (IP) address for the Windows PC on the network and some other required information. Click on the Start button on the bottom left of the screen, then All Programs, Accessories and Command Prompt. Type in this command: C:\> ipconfig /all. This let's you see a list of network information. Write down the details it provides for:

• IP Address
• Subnet Mask
• Host name

You don't need to know what all this means as long as you jot down this information. You will need it later in the process.

Next: Step 2: Open Linux »