LPIC-2 File Sharing and Samba Practice Question
Which TWO parameters in the [global] section are REQUIRED for a Samba server to act as a standalone server (not a member of a domain)?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers think `passdb backend` must be explicitly set (like `tdbsam`) or that `netbios name` is mandatory, but Samba's defaults handle these, while `workgroup` and `security = user` are the true non-negotiable parameters for standalone operation.
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
✓
workgroup
For a Samba standalone server, the `workgroup` parameter defines the NetBIOS workgroup name that the server will appear in, which is essential for browsing and identification on the local network. The `security = user` parameter is required because it sets the server to authenticate users locally against its own passdb backend, rather than relying on an external domain controller. Without these two, the server cannot function as a standalone unit.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
server string
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; purely descriptive.
- ✓
workgroup
Why this is correct
Correct; must be set to define the workgroup.
- ✓
security = user
Why this is correct
Correct; necessary for standalone authentication.
- ✗
netbios name
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; optional, defaults to hostname.
- ✗
passdb backend = tdbsam
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect; default is tdbsam, so not required to be explicitly set.
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JA
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.