Intalling Samba on the Midge/Sunspot

Log in and type 'ipkg install samba' Ipkg will install the samba and libgcc packages.

Type 'mkdir /var/run' to greate the /var/run folder.

Type 'smbpasswd -a default' to create a samba user called 'default' - type and confirm a password when asked.

Type 'nano /etc/hosts' and add the line '192.168.0.3 midge' (replacing the ip address with whatever you are using) and press CTRL-X and 'Y' to save the hosts file.

Type 'nano /etc/samba/smb.conf' and alter the last line (writeable = no) to 'writeable = yes'.

You should now be able to test the samba installation by typing '/etc/init.d/samba start' wait a few seconds and the type 'ps -auxw' to get a list of processes - nmbd and smbd should be in the list.

It should now be possible to access the '/tmp' shared folder by connecting to the Midge by clicking on 'start' and then 'run' and typing '//192.168.0.3/' (or your Midge's IP Address).

If all is well you should see a window with the shared folder tmp in it.

In order to be able to store files, you will need to map it as a drive. When you do, select the option to log on as a different user. You should use 'default' and whatever password you gave to smbpasswd.

If you are able to map the tmp folder and drop files into it, it is safe to rename the init.d script so that it will start when the Midge device re-boots.

However, remember that whilst this is reasonably safe if you are on a home network behind some kind of router with only yourself using the shared folder, if you are on a more public network - or without a suitable firewall, you are making a folder writeable to anyone who gains access to the network.

They could accidentally fill up the flash drive and crash the Midge device - or worse, anyone who gains access could exploit a bug in the system and through it launch further atacks on any machine connected to your network.

Bugs? Always assume there are bugs!
Network Access? Think Dialup Adaptors, Think Routers, Think Wireless Networks!

Check the security features on any router, wireless adaptor (including encription and access methods), AND ensure any computer on the network is protected by an up to date virus checker (if avalable) and used responsibly.

Once you are sure that you are operating in a secure environment, type 'mv /etc/init.d/samba /etc/init.d/S97samba' and the fileserver will be run whenever the router is re-started.

A PIC, Linux and a Router
Modding The Router
Modding The Router - USB/Hard Drives
Modding The Router - Software & Filesystem
New Sunspot/Midge Packages
Extra Packages for Midge/Sunspot

PIC Links