Is it possible for a Linux computer to access a Microsoft based LAN? Can I connect to networked printers?
Friday, July 15th, 2011 at
22:01
I am teaching at a school with a Microsoft Windows based network. I am considering ordering 15 Cherrypal Africa netbooks with linux operating system and 160GB hard drive for my students to use in the classroom. I need to know if I order these computers, can they access the network drives to save files on the school network and can they connect to networked printers for the students to print their assignments? Any help in this matter would be greately appreciated. Thanks
Tagged with: africa • hard drive • Linux • Microsoft • microsoft windows • netbooks • operating system • printers
Filed under: Microsoft
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In theory, yes. You have to load the full Samba package. With that, you can join a workgroup.
However, if you are going to simply share files, why not make your own NAS , and simply share a disk drive with the Linux machines?
A free NAS package is called "FreeNAS". Check it out.
Linux can connect to any networked printer, as long as it has an IP address, and is a common type of printer (like HP, Epson, etc.)
Connecting to a Windows shared printer should be "do-able", but I’ve not done that. Again, Samba will probably cover that issue if it can be done…
Hope that helps