Quick Answer
The answer is jane. When the Samba force user directive is set to a specific user, it overrides the authenticated user’s identity for all file operations on that share, so even though bob connects, the effective user ID becomes jane for every read, write, and ownership check. This behavior is a core concept tested on the Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 2 LPIC-2 exam, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must distinguish between the connecting user and the forced user. A common trap is assuming bob’s own permissions apply, but the directive explicitly replaces the effective user ID, meaning all created files will be owned by jane. Remember the mnemonic: “force user forces the file owner, not the login.”
This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of file sharing and samba. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 Samba share is configured with 'force user = jane'. A user 'bob' accesses the share. With what effective user ID will file operations be performed?
root
Why wrong: Only if force user is set to root.
jane
All file operations use the forced user 'jane'.
nobody
Why wrong: nobody is used for guest access.
bob
Why wrong: force user overrides the connecting user.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
jane
The 'force user' directive in Samba overrides the authenticated user's identity for all file operations on the share. When 'force user = jane' is set, any user accessing the share, including 'bob', will have their effective user ID changed to 'jane' for all file reads, writes, and ownership checks. This ensures that files created or modified on the share are owned by 'jane', regardless of who actually connects.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
root
Why it's wrong here
Only if force user is set to root.
jane
Why this is correct
All file operations use the forced user 'jane'.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
nobody
Why it's wrong here
nobody is used for guest access.
bob
Why it's wrong here
force user overrides the connecting user.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'force user' with 'valid users' or 'guest only', mistakenly thinking the connecting user's identity is preserved for file operations, when in fact 'force user' completely overrides the effective UID.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, Samba's 'force user' works by calling setuid() or seteuid() to the specified user's UID after authentication but before any file system access. This is similar to the Unix 'su' command but applied per-connection. A subtle behavior is that 'force user' does not affect the authentication process itself—bob must still provide valid credentials—but once connected, all file operations run as 'jane', which can cause permission issues if 'jane' lacks access to directories bob expects to use.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the LPIC-2 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
File Sharing and Samba — This question tests File Sharing and Samba — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: jane — The 'force user' directive in Samba overrides the authenticated user's identity for all file operations on the share. When 'force user = jane' is set, any user accessing the share, including 'bob', will have their effective user ID changed to 'jane' for all file reads, writes, and ownership checks. This ensures that files created or modified on the share are owned by 'jane', regardless of who actually connects.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This LPIC-2 practice question is part of Courseiva's free LPI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the LPIC-2 exam.
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