LPIC-2 File Sharing and Samba Practice Question
Which TWO files are commonly used by Samba for configuration and user authentication? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse `/etc/samba/smbusers` (user mapping) with authentication files, or mistakenly think `/etc/passwd` is a Samba-specific file, when in fact Samba uses its own password storage separate from the system's `/etc/passwd`.
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
✓
/etc/samba/smbpasswd
`/etc/samba/smbpasswd` is the traditional Samba password file used for user authentication in Samba's own encrypted password format (LM/NT hashes). Option E is correct because `/etc/samba/smb.conf` is the primary Samba configuration file that defines shares, global settings, and security parameters. Both files are essential for Samba's operation: `smb.conf` controls the server behavior, while `smbpasswd` stores user credentials for SMB/CIFS authentication.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
/etc/samba/smbusers
Why it's wrong here
Optional file for mapping Windows usernames to Unix usernames.
- ✗
/etc/passwd
Why it's wrong here
System password file, not Samba-specific.
- ✓
/etc/samba/smbpasswd
Why this is correct
Stores Samba user passwords.
- ✗
/etc/hosts.allow
Why it's wrong here
Used by TCP wrappers, not Samba-specific.
- ✓
/etc/samba/smb.conf
Why this is correct
Main Samba configuration file.
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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.