How to access SMB or CIFS shares from Ubuntu Desktop (GNOME)

Accessing shared folders on Ubuntu often relies on the SMB (Server Message Block) protocol, also referred to as CIFS (Common Internet File System). It is broadly adopted for cross-platform file sharing across Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.

In Ubuntu, the SAMBA package seamlessly integrates SMB and CIFS functionality into the GNOME Files application, which simplifies the process of discovering and mounting network shares. This setup is particularly valuable for organizations with numerous systems requiring dependable access to shared resources.

Employing the built-in features of GNOME ensures a straightforward interface for identifying remote hosts and handling user credentials. The combination of stable protocols, up-to-date packages, and careful configuration offers secure connections and efficient file operations.

1. Open the Files application.
2. Navigate to the “Other Locations” section from the sidebar menu.
3. Locate the network hosts under the “Networks” section or enter the host's IP address with the smb: prefix and click Connect. - Choose the shared folder you wish to access. - Select “Connect” with Anonymous selected or enter login credentials if required. - Access the files and folders provided by the remote host. - Unmount the shared folder by clicking the eject icon when finished.

   This guide is tested on Ubuntu:

   Version	Code Name
   22.04 LTS	Jammy Jellyfish
   23.10	Mantic Minotaur
   24.04 LTS	Noble Numbat