Networking Ubuntu and OS X with Samba

Let's assume you have both Macs and Ubuntu PCs in your network. How can you set them up so you're able to access Ubuntu from a Mac and vice-versa? It's pretty simple via Samba.

Setting up Ubuntu

1. Right-click the folder you want to share and select Sharing Options.
2. Unless you already have Samba installed, you may be asked to install it now.
3. Set all the options you want - select the name of the share (this will appear in the Finder's sidebar), if you want to allow other people to be able to write in the folder or not, and if you want guests to be able to access this folder.
4. After saving the modifications, a link to the Ubuntu computer should appear automatically in the Finder, with the iconic BSOD icon

Setting up Mac OS X

1. Open System Preferences > Sharing. Select the file sharing checkbox.
2. Select the "Options..." button.
3. In the pop-up menu, add the names of the users whose Public folders will be shared and select "Share Files using SMB."
4. In Ubuntu, select Places > Connect to Server... and select Windows Share.
   
5. Type in your computer's network address (usually smb://***.***. ... where the asterisks represent your IP address). You can access your computer either from the Places menu, the desktop, or in network:/// in Nautilus (or your file manager of choice).