LPIC-2 File Sharing and Samba Practice Question
Windows clients cannot see the Samba server in Network Neighborhood, but they can access shares by typing the UNC path. Which Samba daemon must be running?
⚠ Common exam trap
LPI often tests the distinction between smbd (file sharing) and nmbd (browsing/name resolution), trapping candidates who assume that file access implies browsing capability.
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
✓
nmbd
The nmbd daemon is responsible for NetBIOS name resolution and browsing, which enables Windows clients to discover Samba servers in Network Neighborhood. When nmbd is not running, clients can still connect via UNC paths because smbd handles file sharing directly, but browsing and name resolution fail.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
smbd
Why it's wrong here
smbd is for file and printer services, not browsing.
- ✗
samba
Why it's wrong here
samba is a service wrapper, not a single daemon.
- ✗
winbindd
Why it's wrong here
winbindd is for user/group resolution, not browsing.
- ✓
nmbd
Why this is correct
nmbd provides NetBIOS name resolution and browsing.
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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.