Mapping network devices in Ubuntu like Windows networking?

caa1980 · 01-09-2010, 01:00 PM

I am running Ubuntu 9.10 and Windows 7 (Wubi). Windows Networking shows all devices on the network (computers, routers, etc). Is there a way to get Ubuntu to do this (Would prefer GUI)?

sonichedgehog · 01-09-2010, 02:07 PM

To show devices you will need samba (sudo apt-get install samba). Then you can right click and you get sharing options. When you access network from the menus, you will see both windows and linux shares.

Mapping network "drives" is only necessary if you are working on commandline, for gui samba will take care of it. Warning: windows7 might not "see" linux shares but it seems to work from linux systems.

This task is commandline only AFAIK, apt-get install smbfs, create a "mountpoint" (eg in your home folder, create new folder) then you have to "mount" the remote file manually thus:

Code:

sudo mount -t cifs //192.168.***.*/sharename_of_remote_file 
/home/your_home_directory/NEW_DIRECTORY_TO_MOUNT_on -o uid=(your_user_number_eg_1000

To get the url of the remote box, I suggest log onto your router, the list of attached devices will show you this.
Whereas windows gives you a menu of drive letters, in linux there is no such thing, the "real" drives are in /dev and the "virtual" ones you have to create yourself by making a mountpoint- this is the "NEW_DIRECTORY_TO_MOUNT_ON" to which I refer.
Post again if i have confused you.

caa1980 · 01-09-2010, 02:21 PM

I know how to see computers on the network I am trying to see routers on the network.

sonichedgehog · 01-09-2010, 02:44 PM

Don't know any gui for this- yep i remember w$ shows your router altho you can't do anything with it.

Code:

route

should show your main router, my system has only one but

Code:

ping 224.0.0.1

might show other routers (regret can't test this as have no access to a system with extra routers/switches at present.