What configuration block in 'smb.conf' would you edit to set up a shared directory?

The correct choice for setting up a shared directory in the Samba configuration file 'smb.conf' is indeed the [shares] block. This section is utilized to define shared resources that users can access over the Samba network. By adding a block labeled [shares], you can configure parameters such as the path of the shared directory, access permissions, and other share-specific options like whether it should be browsable or read-only.

When creating a shared directory, you would typically specify details such as the path to the shared folder on the server, valid users who can access the share, and any necessary security settings. This structure allows you to centralize the directory sharing configuration, making it easier to manage multiple shares as needed.

The other configuration blocks serve different purposes. The [global] block is used for setting global parameters affecting all shares on the Samba server, such as server description and workgroup settings. The [homes] block is designed for setting up automatic home directories for individual users, providing them with personal storage space. The [printers] block is specifically for configuring shared printers and related parameters, not for sharing regular file directories.