Using the Network File System

The Network File System (NFS) is a way for different computers on the same network to share files transparently, as if volumes and directories were all on the same computer. If a user happens to work on multiple machines, NFS allows that user to log in and access the home directory using any computer on the network.

Any computer on the network can have an NFS server, an NFS client, or both. The necessary packages are installed by default with SUSE Linux.

Starting and Configuring the NFS Server

To start the NFS Server on any network computer, run the NFS Server module in YaST Network Services. On the first screen, click Start NFS Server and check the Open Port in Firewall box, if necessary. Click Next to identify (export) directories to other machines.

To include a directory on the server, click Add Directory in the middle of the screen. Enter the full path of the directory or browse to it. Click OK and you will see some options. By default, all hosts on the network can see this directory, but you may limit that.

The options box includes the default permissions: ro (read-only), root_squash (prevents Root from another machine from changing permissions on your files), and sync (which requires the server to save a file before replying to a client request for it). Other options can be set here; consult man exports to see them.

Importing Directories with the NFS Client

Adding shared directories from an NFS Server to work on a particular machine is a snap in YaST.

Open the NFS Client module in Network Services. Click Add. Figure 25.6 appears.

Figure 25.6. Add the NFS server to your file system with this dialog box.

Enter the NFS server hostname (or click Choose to search for servers on the network). Select a shared directory in the Remote Filesystem box and name a mount point (perhaps /nfs) on your local system. Click OK to confirm your choices, and click Finish to edit your /etc/fstab file to include the remote directory among the mount options for this machine.