Here’s a quick tutorial that will show you how to share files between Windows 8 and Ubuntu 12.10 (Quantal Quetzal) computers.
If you have just installed Windows 8 and you want to have your other machines, including Ubuntu access files and folders remotely, you may have to enable file sharing. File sharing also works properly if all your machines are part of the same workgroup. That means, if your Windows 8 machine is a member of the Penguin workgroup, you should also make Ubuntu a member of Penguin.
To learn how to change workgroup name in Windows 8, please click here. To learn how to change workgroup name in Ubuntu 12.10, please click here.
Before going further, we want to make sure file sharing is enabled in Windows 8. If this feature isn’t enabled, you won’t be able to access files from other systems. So, to get started, let’s first enable files sharing in Windows 8.
Enabling File Sharing in Windows 8
To enable file sharing in Windows 8, sign and press the Windows Key + W keys on your keyboard to open the Charms bar for search settings.
When it opens, search for ‘manage advanced sharing’, then select the result on the left.
Next, turn on file and printer sharing in your private and public network profiles. To be more open, you can turn on file sharing on all networks profile. Save when done.
Now that filesharing is enabled, logon to your Ubuntu machine and install these Samba packages. Ubuntu uses Samba to share file and printer with Windows.
Enabling File Sharing in Ubuntu 12.10
To enable file sharing in Ubuntu, press Ctrl – Alt – T on your keyboard to open the terminal. When it opens, run the commands below to install these packages.
sudo apt-get install system-config-samba
After installing the above packages, go to Dash and launch Samba.
When it opens, select ‘Preferences –> Server Settings’
Then type the workgroup name that your Windows machine belongs. Both machines must be a member of the same workgroup for this to work properly.
Now that both systems are member of the same workgroup, restart them both. When you login, you should be able to see each system from either machines.
Enjoy!
That’s how you enable file sharing in Windows 8 and Ubuntu 12.10. In my next post, I’ll show you how to enable shares.
In this post, both systems are able to see each other resources, but no shares are yet available with the right access. You must enable shares on both system in order to be able to access them.
Please stay tuned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enable file sharing between Windows 8 and Ubuntu 12.10?
To enable file sharing, you need to turn on file and printer sharing in both Windows 8 and Ubuntu 12.10. Follow the specific steps outlined in the article to ensure successful file sharing between the two systems.
What is the importance of having all machines part of the same workgroup for file sharing?
Having all machines, including Windows 8 and Ubuntu 12.10, in the same workgroup ensures seamless file sharing. This allows the systems to communicate effectively and access files and folders remotely.
How can I change the workgroup name in Windows 8?
To change the workgroup name in Windows 8, follow the instructions provided in the article. It is essential to have the same workgroup name on all machines for efficient file sharing.
What role does Samba play in enabling file sharing between Ubuntu and Windows?
Ubuntu uses Samba to share files and printers with Windows. Installing the necessary Samba packages on your Ubuntu machine is crucial for successful file sharing between Ubuntu 12.10 and Windows 8.
How do I install Samba packages on my Ubuntu 12.10 machine?
To install Samba packages on Ubuntu 12.10, open the terminal and run the specified commands provided in the article. These packages are essential for establishing file sharing capabilities between Ubuntu and Windows.
Why is it necessary to enable file sharing in Windows 8 before accessing files from other systems?
Enabling file sharing in Windows 8 is crucial as it allows the system to communicate with other machines for file access. Without enabling this feature, accessing files from other systems, including Ubuntu, will not be possible.
What are the key steps to enabling file sharing in Ubuntu 12.10?
To enable file sharing in Ubuntu 12.10, open the terminal and follow the specific commands outlined in the article. Installing the required Samba packages is essential for establishing a connection between Ubuntu and Windows for file sharing.
Can I turn on file sharing on all network profiles in Windows 8?
Yes, you can turn on file sharing on all network profiles in Windows 8 to ensure broader accessibility for file sharing purposes. However, it is recommended to understand the security implications of doing so.
