TOPIC
This article discusses NFS and how to import directories with NFS.
DISCUSSION If you do not already have an understanding of NetInfo domains, please read articles: Article 60038: " Mac OS X Server: What is NetInfo? " Article 30832 " Mac OS X Server: Basic Introduction To NetInfo Domains ." What Is NFS? NFS stands for network filesystem. A filesystem in Mac OS X Server generally means a directory or directory hierarchy. NFS is based on the client/server model. The server exports the filesystems, and the client imports them. With NFS it is possible to seamlessly share filesystems to other computers on a network. When users changes directories, they should not know that they are now looking at a remote filesystem. This is very powerful because it allows common resources to be stored on one computer, and accessed throughout the network. This would be an excellent idea for documentation like man pages, or read me files. Selecting The Correct Domain NetworkManager allows you to make modifications network wide, so you must select the domain you wish to change. If the computer is not part of a NetInfo network then the local domain is the only one available. If the computer is on a NetInfo network then the domain that you have access to must be selected. The domain is selected at the top of the NetworkManager window in the field title "Domain." To reveal the larger domain hierarchy, click the disclosure triangle to the left of "Domain." The correct domain name can be typed or selected. Once the correct domain appears in the "Domain" field, NetworkManager can be used. A quick word on button conventions; buttons that have a star are for a new items, buttons that have a pencil is for editing items, buttons that have the international symbol for no are to delete items, and buttons that have a pencil and outline are to edit default profiles. Finally, buttons that have one face are for users, and buttons that have two faces are for groups. Importing Filesystems Importing directories from a server is very similar to exporting them. Click the "File Sharing" button along the left-hand side of the window and then click the "Mounted Directories" tab. This is where filesystems are imported from other computers. Once again, it is critical to make sure that the correct domain is chosen at the top of the window. Clicking the new directory button in this window will open a new window. In this window you specify where and how to import a filesystem. The first field in this window specifies the server and the directory to import. If the server that is exporting the directories is in NetInfo, you can use the "Select" button to choose the server. If the server is not in NetInfo its information must be typed into the field.
The next field specifies where the imported directories are to be mounted on the local computer. This can be any existing directory on the local computer. This directory is called a mount point. If files or directories exist inside a mount point, these items are not accessible while a filesystem is mounted there. If the remote filesystem is unmounted then these items can be accessed. Finally, specify the import options. The table below lists the options and describes them.
Once the options are set, close the window and save the changes. Two dialog boxes appear. The first requests that you enter the root password. The second tells you that the changes will not take effect until the computer is restarted. Note : Changes made with this program require the root password to the domain you are trying to configure. This may be only for the local domain (your computer) or it may be the root domain (the entire network). You should not try to change settings you do not have access to. |
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| Document Information | |
| Product Area: | Mac OS System Software |
| Category: | Mac OS X Server |
| Sub Category: | General Topics |
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