Introduction

NFS (Network File System) is a distributed file system protocol that allows you to share directories and files over a network. This guide will walk you through the installation of NFS server and client on AlmaLinux 9, enabling file sharing across your network. This setup is especially beneficial when using a Windows VPS UK for enhanced file storage capabilities.

Prerequisites

• An AlmaLinux 9 server with root access
• Basic knowledge of Linux commands

Step 1: Update Your System

Before installing the NFS server and client, update your package index:

sudo dnf update -y

Step 2: Install NFS Server

Install the NFS utilities using the following command:

sudo dnf install nfs-utils -y

Step 3: Configure the NFS Server

First, create a directory that you want to share over the network:

sudo mkdir -p /mnt/nfs_share

Next, edit the exports file to specify which directory to share:

sudo nano /etc/exports

Add the following line to share the directory with specific client IP addresses (replace client_ip with actual client IP or use * to allow all):

/mnt/nfs_share client_ip(rw,sync,no_root_squash)

Step 4: Start and Enable NFS Server

Start the NFS server and enable it to start on boot:

sudo systemctl start nfs-server
sudo systemctl enable nfs-server

Step 5: Install NFS Client

If you're setting up an NFS client on the same or another AlmaLinux 9 server, you need to install the NFS utilities again:

sudo dnf install nfs-utils -y

Step 6: Mount the NFS Share

To mount the NFS share on the client machine, create a directory where the share will be mounted:

sudo mkdir -p /mnt/nfs_clientshare

Then, mount the NFS share using the following command:

sudo mount -t nfs server_ip:/mnt/nfs_share /mnt/nfs_clientshare

Replace server_ip with the IP address of your NFS server.

Step 7: Automate Mounting at Boot

To ensure that the NFS share mounts automatically at boot, edit the /etc/fstab file on the client:

sudo nano /etc/fstab

Add the following line:

server_ip:/mnt/nfs_share /mnt/nfs_clientshare nfs defaults 0 0

Step 8: Conclusion

You have successfully set up an NFS server and client on AlmaLinux 9, enabling file sharing across your network. This setup can enhance your data management capabilities, especially when utilizing a Windows VPS. For additional options, consider exploring VPS UK Windows, including Windows Virtual Private Server Hosting and Windows VPS Hosting UK for your server needs.