File sharing
From XBMC
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One of the most convenient functions of XBMC is its ability to stream media from any networked PC (personal-computer). In this section, we look at some of the methods for configuring remote computers or storage devices to provide file access to XBMC. To learn how to access these remote shares in XBMC, please look at XBMC Media Sources.
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1 Windows Sharing Alternatives
- Windows File Sharing (SMB/SAMBA/CIFS) - This is the most capable XBMC method of sharing media. It is capable of streaming all types of media and gives the option of sharing individual folders or entire drives, (including CD/DVD-ROM drives). It also allows you to secure shares with passwords and restrict access to users or groups, which makes it ideal for use on a public network. Because it utilizes a service that is already packaged with Windows, it does not require you to install any additional software on your Windows PC.
- You may, however, have to uninstall the Windows Live ID Sign in Assistant - http://www.avforums.com/forums/xbox/647944-xbmc-lock-issue-setting-up-smb.html
- UPnP Sharing - XBMC also supports UPnP shares (short for "Universal Plug and Play"). This is an extremely easy, user-friendly way to stream your media over your network. Like SMB/SAMBA/CIFS it is capable of streaming all types of media and gives the option of sharing individual folders or entire drives. Note that you must be using an XBMC build from 10th of July 2006 or newer in order to use this functionality.
- iTunes (DAAP) - XBMC has the ability to stream audio files that you set up to share through iTunes. This method is extremely easy to set up and configure, although it is limited to audio files. It will not allow you to share videos, photos or other types of media. It also does not allow you to share entire folders or drives. iTunes version 7.0 has implemented changes to the DAAP protocol, namely the use of a new 'Client-DAAP-Validation' header hash when connecting to an iTunes 7.0 server. This does not affect 3rd party DAAP servers, however all current DAAP clients ( including official iTunes <=6.0 ) will fail to connect to an iTunes 7.0 server, receiving a '403 Forbidden' HTTP error.
- Media Source FTP
- SSHFS for Windows using commercial software like ExpanDrive
2 Macintosh (Apple Mac OS X) Sharing Alternatives
- Windows Sharing (SMB) on Mac OS X - This is incorporated in Mac OS X (OS 10.2 - 10.6), and is probably the most flexible of all of the options for sharing media between your computer and XBMC. OS X 10.7 (Lion) Broke SMB connectivity with XBMC. (Earlier versions of Mac OS can serve SMB using SAMBA). It is capable of streaming all types of media and gives the option of sharing individual folders (or entire drives - usually configured through the 3rd-party software SharePoints). It also allows for authentication by your Mac OS X username and password, making it good for use on public networks.
- Network Filesystem (NFS) sharing on Mac OS X - This is incorporated in Mac OS X (OS 10.5 and later). It is capable of streaming all types of media and gives the option of sharing individual folders. It uses the UID of the user running XBMC for authentication. So no username and password is needed. For XBMC specific NFS server stetup read the NFS article. For a basic how to on setting up a NFS Server see this articles:
- UPnP Sharing - XBMC also supports UPnP shares (short for "Universal Plug and Play"). This is an extremely easy, user-friendly way to stream your media over your network. Like SMB/SAMBA/CIFS it is capable of streaming all types of media and gives the option of sharing individual folders or entire drives. Note that you must be using an XBMC build from 10th of July 2006 or newer in order to use this functionality.
- iTunes (DAAP) - XBMC has the ability to stream audio files that you set up to share through Apple iTunes, and its database. This method is extremely easy to set up and configure, (although it is limited to audio files so it will not allow you to share videos, photos or other types of media, nor does not allow you to share entire folders or drives). Currently, XBMC is unable to browse libraries shared through iTunes 7.
- Media Source FTP
- SSHFS for Mac using commercial software like ExpanDrive
3 Linux/UNIX/BSD/POSIX Sharing Alternatives
- Linux File Sharing (using samba) - Also, see www.samba.org and read/follow the online-manual for your specific Linux-distribution.
- Network Filesystem (NFS) sharing on Linux - This is incorporated in the linux kernel (current 2.6.x kernels and later). It is capable of streaming all types of media and gives the option of sharing individual folders. It uses the UID of the user running XBMC for authentication. So no username and password is needed. For XBMC specific NFS server stetup read the NFS article. For a basic how to on setting up a NFS Server see this article:
- UPnP Sharing - XBMC also supports UPnP shares (short for "Universal Plug and Play"). This is an extremely easy, user-friendly way to stream your media over your network. Like SMB/SAMBA/CIFS it is capable of streaming all types of media and gives the option of sharing individual folders or entire drives. Note that you must be using an XBMC build from 10th of July 2006 or newer in order to use this functionality.
- Media Source FTP
- SSH Filesystem - SSHFS can be used to mount content available over SSH to act as a part of the local filesystem.
- For advanced configuration instructions about shares/bookmarks, (by editing sources.xml), see the Adding Media Sources and Types of Media Sources articles.
