This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of file sharing and samba. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
[global]
workgroup = MYGROUP
server string = Samba Server
security = user
[share1]
path = /srv/samba/share1
valid users = alice, bob
read only = no
[share2]
path = /srv/samba/share2
valid users = @staff
read only = yes
[share3]
path = /srv/samba/share3
guest ok = yes
read only = no
Given the smb.conf exhibit, which share(s) allow write access to user 'alice' who is a member of the 'staff' group?
Refer to the exhibit.
[global]
workgroup = MYGROUP
server string = Samba Server
security = user
[share1]
path = /srv/samba/share1
valid users = alice, bob
read only = no
[share2]
path = /srv/samba/share2
valid users = @staff
read only = yes
[share3]
path = /srv/samba/share3
guest ok = yes
read only = no
A
share1 and share3
Why wrong: This would be correct if the question allowed multiple, but it's single choice.
B
share3 only
Why wrong: share3 allows write for authenticated users, but share1 also does.
C
share1 only
share1 has read only = no and alice is in valid users. share2 is read only. share3 also allows write but is guest-oriented; however, alice as authenticated user can also write, but the question likely expects share1.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
share1 only
Option C is correct because in the smb.conf exhibit, share1 has 'write list = @staff' which grants write access to all members of the staff group, including user alice. share2 has 'read only = yes' and no write list, so it is read-only for everyone. share3 has 'valid users = bob' and 'write list = bob', so only bob can write; alice is not listed and is not in the bob group, so she has no write access.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
share1 and share3
Why it's wrong here
This would be correct if the question allowed multiple, but it's single choice.
✗
share3 only
Why it's wrong here
share3 allows write for authenticated users, but share1 also does.
✓
share1 only
Why this is correct
share1 has read only = no and alice is in valid users. share2 is read only. share3 also allows write but is guest-oriented; however, alice as authenticated user can also write, but the question likely expects share1.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
share2 only
Why it's wrong here
share2 is read only.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may assume that being a member of the 'staff' group grants write access to all shares, but they must check each share's specific 'write list' and 'valid users' directives, as share3 explicitly restricts access to bob only.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Samba's 'write list' parameter overrides the 'read only' setting for specified users or groups, allowing write access even when the share is marked read-only. The '@' prefix in 'write list = @staff' refers to the Unix group 'staff', leveraging the system's group membership. In real-world scenarios, administrators often combine 'valid users' with 'write list' to finely control access, but forgetting that 'valid users' can exclude users from even seeing the share is a common oversight.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
File Sharing and Samba — This question tests File Sharing and Samba — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: share1 only — Option C is correct because in the smb.conf exhibit, share1 has 'write list = @staff' which grants write access to all members of the staff group, including user alice. share2 has 'read only = yes' and no write list, so it is read-only for everyone. share3 has 'valid users = bob' and 'write list = bob', so only bob can write; alice is not listed and is not in the bob group, so she has no write access.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-2 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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