Option one: Samba.

Samba is your best bet to get off to a quick start. Its performance is not likely to be as fast as NFS's for large file copies between your computer and server, but it is good enough. Security is handled with user-based control, where you set up user accounts and passwords. It uses the same user information as Linux.

To install Samba, simply run sudo apt-get install samba. Now, you must configure the shares. You probably already created a user during the Linux installation, but you can add more users with the command /usr/sbin/adduser (if it's not installed, run apt-get install adduser) and set passwords with the passwd command.

To set up shares, Samba configuration is done in the /etc/samba/smb.conf file. To improve performance, I recommend adding this line after the [global] section:

[global]
read size = 32768

To set up your share, put the name of your share in brackets, followed by the share information:

[music]
comment = Josh's Music
writable = yes
path = /music
public = yes
valid users = josh, dan
admin users = josh

In my example, I have Unix accounts on my Linux system named josh and dan.

Now, it's time to create the connection to your Samba server. On your server, run /sbin/ifconfig to get its IP address.

If you're using a Mac, go to the Finder and select Go → Connect to Server. Then, enter smb:// followed by the IP address you just found. You can then log in and choose your music share. Add it as a favorite for quick access in the future.

If you're using a PC, go to the Start menu and select Run. Enter \\ip_address\music, replacing ip_address with your server's IP address.

Option 2: NFS.

I have found NFS on Debian GNU/Linux to perform significantly faster than Samba, but it comes with some catches. The security isn't user-based, but rather IP-based. I actually use NFS myself, but I suggest Samba to the general population, because it is easier. To install NFS, run apt-get install nfs-common nfs-user-server. To add your share, edit the /etc/ exports file. My exports file is lax and allows anyone connected to my network full access to my music. Here is an example full-access /etc/exports file:

/music 192.168.1.0/255.255.255.0(rw, insecure)

You might want to identify your iTunes-running machine specifically for more security. To do this, just enter its IP address. Here is an example restrictive /etc/exports file:

/music 192.168.1.2(rw, insecure)

Now, it's time to create the connection to your NFS server. On your server, run/sbin/ifconfig to get its IP address.

If you're on a Mac, go to the Finder and select Go → Connect to Server. Enter nfs://ip_address/music (replacing ip_address with your server's IP address), and add it as a favorite.

TIP

Having problems reading, deleting, or copying files? I am assuming your server is to be used only by you or trusted people, so you can log into your server and run chmod–R 777/music. This lets any user read, delete, and add to your music library and guarantees that Samba and NFS can do it as well.