# Optional: Installing Samba for Windows Network Access Samba is **optional** in this Media Manager setup, but highly recommended if: * You use **Windows** and want to browse your media files easily * You want to manually adjust or inspect downloaded files * You want to drag-and-drop subtitles, rename files, or fix issues directly * You want the flexibility of mounting your media as a network drive If you only ever access files through Plex, ARR apps, or the Linux shell, then Samba is **not required**. --- # 🧩 Why Samba Might Be Needed Although Radarr, Sonarr, and Bazarr automate nearly everything, there are situations where **manual file access** is useful: * Fixing incorrectly tagged files * Manual subtitle adjustments * Deleting or replacing corrupted media * Organizing large folders * Backing up media manually On **Linux or macOS**, this can be done easily over SSH. On **Windows**, the easiest way is via **Samba (SMB)** network shares. --- # 💠 What Samba Does Samba exposes directories on your Raspberry Pi/Linux server as Windows-compatible network drives. It allows you to access: ``` /mnt/omnissiah-vault ``` from Windows like: ``` Z:\ → Omnissiah-Vault ``` This behaves like a native Windows drive: * You can open files * Copy folders * Delete/rename items * Perform maintenance tasks --- # 📦 Installation Script (Optional) If you want Samba on your server, use the following script: 👉 **see script:** `scripts/install-samba.sh` This script: * Installs Samba * Shares your mounted directories * Secures access to your user only (no guest access) * Creates Samba credentials * Enables the smbd/nmbd daemons --- # 🖥️ Windows Setup — Mapping the Network Drive Once Samba is active, you can connect from Windows. ### 1. Open File Explorer Press: ``` Win + E ``` ### 2. Click **This PC** ### 3. Click **Map network drive** in the top ribbon (If hidden, click the three-dot menu.) ### 4. Choose a drive letter Example: ``` Z: ``` ### 5. In the folder field, enter your Samba share ``` \\\Omnissiah-Vault ``` Example: ``` \\192.168.1.50\Omnissiah-Vault ``` ### 6. Check **Reconnect at sign-in** So Windows auto-remounts the drive. ### 7. Check **Connect using different credentials** Enter the username and password created during Samba setup: ``` Username: aetos Password: ``` Click **Finish**. You should now see the drive appear in Explorer like a normal disk. --- # 🧰 You Can Also Map via Command Line Open PowerShell and run: ``` net use Z: \\\Omnissiah-Vault /user:aetos ``` --- # 🔐 Security Notes * Samba exposes your filesystem over the network → keep your password strong. * Never enable `guest ok = yes` unless you want an open share. * Use UFW or firewall-cmd to restrict access if needed. --- # 📝 Summary Samba is optional but extremely convenient, especially for Windows users. Use it if: * You manage files manually * You want drag-and-drop access to media * You want Windows Explorer to treat the server like a normal drive Skip it if: * Everything happens via automation * You only use Plex and ARR * You manage your server exclusively from Linux/Mac --- Proceed to the next step when ready.