Question 105 of 511

File Sharing and Samba →hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

LPIC-2 File Sharing and Samba Practice Question

This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of file sharing and samba. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.

A company uses a Samba server (version 4.12) on Ubuntu 20.04 to provide file sharing for the engineering department. The server has a share [projects] defined in smb.conf with the following parameters: `path = /srv/projects`, `valid users = @engineers`, `read only = no`, `create mask = 0660`, `directory mask = 0770`. All users in the engineers group can authenticate and list the share contents but they report that they cannot create new files or modify existing ones. The command `ls -ld /srv/projects` shows `drwxrwxr-x`, and the directory is owned by root:engineers. The sysadmin has confirmed that the file system permissions on /srv/projects are set to 2775, but the setgid bit does not appear in the ls output. Additionally, users are able to create files in other shares on the same server that are configured similarly. Which of the following is the most likely cause and solution?

Clue words in this question

Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.

Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

Question 1hardmultiple choice

Read the full NAT/PAT explanation →

A
The valid users parameter should be changed to include '%engineers' instead of '@engineers'.
Why wrong: The '@' prefix is correct for referring to a group in valid users. '%' is not used.
B
The create mask is too restrictive. Change it to 0666 to allow more permissions.
Why wrong: The create mask 0660 already grants group write. A mask of 0666 would allow world-writable files, which is a security risk.
C
The directory lacks the setgid bit and new files do not inherit the engineers group. Add `force group = engineers` and `inherit permissions = yes` to the share configuration.
This forces new files to have the engineers group and propagates the setgid behavior, ensuring group write for all users.
D
The parameter `read only = no` is being overridden by a global setting. Add `writable = yes` to the share.
Why wrong: `read only = no` and `writable = yes` are equivalent. There is no overriding issue.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

Answer choices

Why each option matters

Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.

Correct answer & explanation

✓

The directory lacks the setgid bit and new files do not inherit the engineers group. Add `force group = engineers` and `inherit permissions = yes` to the share configuration.

The directory permissions shown (drwxrwxr-x) indicate the setgid bit is not set (missing 's' in group execute position). Without the setgid bit, new files inherit the user's primary group, which may not be 'engineers'. Additionally, files created by other users have wrong group, preventing group write. Adding `force group = engineers` forces all new files to have the engineers group, and `inherit permissions = yes` ensures the setgid behavior. Option A would weaken security. Option B uses incorrect syntax. Option D is incorrect because `read only = no` and `writable = yes` are equivalent.

Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

✗
The valid users parameter should be changed to include '%engineers' instead of '@engineers'.
Why it's wrong here
The '@' prefix is correct for referring to a group in valid users. '%' is not used.
✗
The create mask is too restrictive. Change it to 0666 to allow more permissions.
Why it's wrong here
The create mask 0660 already grants group write. A mask of 0666 would allow world-writable files, which is a security risk.
✓
The directory lacks the setgid bit and new files do not inherit the engineers group. Add `force group = engineers` and `inherit permissions = yes` to the share configuration.
Why this is correct
This forces new files to have the engineers group and propagates the setgid behavior, ensuring group write for all users.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
✗
The parameter `read only = no` is being overridden by a global setting. Add `writable = yes` to the share.
Why it's wrong here
`read only = no` and `writable = yes` are equivalent. There is no overriding issue.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses

Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.

KKey Concepts to Remember

CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.

TExam Day Tips

Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.

Key takeaway

Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.

Real-world example

How this comes up in practice

A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related LPIC-2 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this LPIC-2 question test?

File Sharing and Samba — This question tests File Sharing and Samba — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: The directory lacks the setgid bit and new files do not inherit the engineers group. Add `force group = engineers` and `inherit permissions = yes` to the share configuration. — The directory permissions shown (drwxrwxr-x) indicate the setgid bit is not set (missing 's' in group execute position). Without the setgid bit, new files inherit the user's primary group, which may not be 'engineers'. Additionally, files created by other users have wrong group, preventing group write. Adding `force group = engineers` forces all new files to have the engineers group, and `inherit permissions = yes` ensures the setgid behavior. Option A would weaken security. Option B uses incorrect syntax. Option D is incorrect because `read only = no` and `writable = yes` are equivalent.

What should I do if I get this LPIC-2 question wrong?

Are there clue words in this question I should notice?

Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

What is the key concept behind this question?

CIDR notation defines the prefix length.

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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026

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