I'm working with some database software that will not allow me to store the data file on my linux server. The data file must be stored on a windows-based machine. I have one linux server, and 5 XP machines connected to it. How do I store that file on one Windows XP machine, while giving my other Windows XP machines access to it? I would like to do it as securely as possible - I'd rather not just enable file & printer sharing on all of my XP machines if that means it's going to open up a security problem. Is there a way that I can isolate one file on the hard drive of an XP machine to be shared to other XP machines through my linux server while minimizing the threat that somoene on the internet will access it?

I hope that someone out there can help.

--- D

you could share a folder on your XP machine which you want to store the data and create an account with password for remote accessing that shared folder. make sure only that user has access to that folder remotely.
then you can mount with your linux box the shared folder on the XP using smbclient.
and with your other XP machine you can also get access to that shared folder with the right user name and password. if you use a good(strong) password it should be secure enough for your use.

*EDIT*
make sure that 'guest' or 'anonymous' user doesn't have rights on the shared folder
******

other alternative is making a VPN tunneling between your boxes.

hope it helps

good luck