Operation Manual
26
Sharing File Systems with NFS
Distributing and sharing le systems over a network is a common task in corporate
environments. The proven NFS system works together with NIS, the yellow pages
protocol. For a more secure protocol that works together with LDAP and may also be
kerberized, check NFSv4.
NFS with NIS makes a network transparent to the user. With NFS, it is possible to
distribute arbitrary le systems over the network. With an appropriate setup, users always
nd themselves in the same environment regardless of the terminal they currently use.
Like NIS, NFS is a client/server system. However, a machine can be both—it can supply
le systems over the network (export) and mount le systems from other hosts (import).
IMPORTANT: Need for DNS
In principle, all exports can be made using IP addresses only. To avoid time-
outs, you need a working DNS system. DNS is necessary at least for logging
purposes, because the mountd daemon does reverse lookups.
26.1 Installing the Required Software
To congure your host as an NFS client, you do not need to install additional software.
All needed packages are installed by default.
NFS server software is not part of the default installation. To install the NFS server
software, start YaST and select Software > Software Management. Now choose Filter
Sharing File Systems with NFS 417