Quick Answer
The answer is `load printers` and `printable`. The `printable` parameter marks a specific share as a printer, allowing clients to submit print jobs to it, while `load printers` controls whether Samba automatically imports all printers from the system’s printcap file into the browse list, making them visible without manual share definitions. On the LPIC-2 exam, this pair tests your understanding of Samba’s printer sharing architecture, often appearing as a multiple-select question where one trap is confusing `printable` with `printing` or assuming `load printers` alone enables sharing. A common memory tip is to think of `load printers` as the “on/off switch” for automatic printer discovery, and `printable` as the “permission stamp” that turns a file share into a printer share.
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.
Which TWO parameters are used to control Samba's printer sharing? (Choose two.)
printer name
Why wrong: Used to specify a printer name within a share.
printable
Share-level parameter to define a printer share.
printing
Why wrong: Specifies the printing system type, not directly control sharing.
load printers
Global parameter to load printer list.
use client driver
Why wrong: Related to driver usage, not sharing control.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
printable
The `printable` parameter in Samba's smb.conf marks a share as a printer, enabling clients to send print jobs to it. The `load printers` parameter, when set to 'yes', automatically loads all printers from the system's printcap file into Samba's browse list, making them available for sharing without manual configuration.
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.
printer name
Why it's wrong here
Used to specify a printer name within a share.
printable
Why this is correct
Share-level parameter to define a printer share.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
printing
Why it's wrong here
Specifies the printing system type, not directly control sharing.
load printers
Why this is correct
Global parameter to load printer list.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
use client driver
Why it's wrong here
Related to driver usage, not sharing control.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'printable' with 'printing' or think 'printer name' is a valid parameter, but the exam tests the specific Samba directives that enable printer sharing, not the backend or naming conventions.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, Samba's printer sharing relies on the `printable = yes` directive to set the share type to 'printer', which triggers Samba to respond to MS-RPC print queue requests. The `load printers = yes` directive reads the system's printcap file (or CUPS configuration) and dynamically creates printer shares, which is critical in environments where printers are added or removed frequently, such as in a large office with network printers managed by CUPS.
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: printable — The `printable` parameter in Samba's smb.conf marks a share as a printer, enabling clients to send print jobs to it. The `load printers` parameter, when set to 'yes', automatically loads all printers from the system's printcap file into Samba's browse list, making them available for sharing without manual configuration.
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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