Samba is software running on a Linux file server allowing you to mount your Linux home directory or other group shared directories on your Windows or Mac desktop. It also allows you to do the same thing if logged into one of the Windows servers (winapp1,winapp2 or winstat1). Most home directories use the Samba server squid. SDAC home directories use the Samba server ulthar. Comp space and large proj space use the Samba server yuggoth.
These instructions require a wired connection on the biostat network. The smb protocol is not allowed from remote connections such as wireless or from home. A static VPN connection will not allow you to connect to a Samba server.
Mapping a samba drive on the Windows servers and desktops
This is for your home directory.
Click start then right-click on “This PC” on the right and then choose “map network drive” from the pop-up menu.
In the “map network drive” window select “Z:” as the drive letter to map the directory to in the “Drive:” box.
In the “folder:” box type in “\\squid\homedir” without the quotes
Check the box the says “Reconnect at logon”. Click finish.
The drive should map at this point.
For a different share, choose a different drive letter (not Z:) and the appropriate share name, e.g., \\squid\someshare
Mapping a samba drive on your Mac desktop
SMB Mounted Directories by Function
Home Directory connections
Most home directories use squid (cetus):
squid.biostat.wisc.edu/homedir
SDAC home directories use ulthar (leo):
ulthar.biostat.wisc.edu/homedir
Comp and Large Proj Space connections
Comp and large Proj space (pavo):
# often referred to as /z/Comp and /z/Proj
yuggoth.biostat.wisc.edu/Comp
yuggoth.biostat.wisc.edu/Proj
other common connections
squid.biostat.wisc.edu/biostoff
ulthar.biostat.wisc.edu/sdac
macOS users authentication and connection are two different actions
Authentication – The key icon in the menubar
The key menu is provided by the single sign on extension. This is automatically installed when a computer is plugged into the BMI wired network. This replaces the older Enterprise connect.
- Gives the current status, signed in or not.
- Lists the amount of time until your password expires.
- Lets you change your password
- Lets you sign out so you can no longer mount BMI smb/samba volumes
- The first time single sign on is used, it will synchronize/match your windows and local macOS password. This is different from your Unix password.
Connection – The Finder Go Menu
- To add or reconnect to a samba volume select Connect to Server from the Go menu in the Finder.
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Some example connection strings.
# If you linux path to the project begins with /z/Proj
smb://yuggoth.biostat.wisc.edu/Proj/projectname# If you linux path to the group directory begins with /z/Comp
smb://yuggoth.biostat.wisc.edu/Comp/groupname# Home directory if you are not in SDAC /ua/biostatname home directory homedir
Most home directories use squid
smb://squid.biostat.wisc.edu/homedir# Home directory if you are in SDAC /ua/biostatname home directory homedir
SDAC home directories use ulthar:
smb://ulthar.biostat.wisc.edu/homedir
Notes
- Samba connections only work when you are directly connected to the Biostatistics BMI network. A VPN or static VPN or SMPH VPN will not let you connect to BMI Samba (SMB) volumes
- Enterprise connect is no longer used
- the first DNS defined as 144.92.73.10 or 144.92.73.92
This is set for you automatically from the DHCP server - There may be more alternate paths to a directory, but the general path should be used if at all possible. The alternatives are mostly from earlier configurations
- smb shares will mount in /Volumes if you need to see them in Terminal.app