LPIC-2 File Sharing and Samba Practice Question
A Samba share is configured with 'writable = no'. What does this mean?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse Samba-level directives with Unix file permissions, assuming that if Unix permissions allow write, the share must be writable, but Samba's 'writable = no' is a higher-priority setting that overrides Unix permissions at the protocol level.
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 share is read-only.
When a Samba share is configured with 'writable = no', it explicitly denies write access to the share at the Samba level, regardless of underlying Unix file permissions. This directive overrides any other settings (like 'write list') and makes the share read-only for all clients connecting via SMB/CIFS protocols. The correct interpretation is that the share is read-only, which matches option A.
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 share is read-only.
Why this is correct
Correct; write access is denied.
- ✗
Users can read and write.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; writable=no prohibits writing.
- ✗
Only root can write.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; writable=no applies to all users, including root.
- ✗
Write access depends on Unix permissions.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; writable=no overrides Unix permissions.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.