Samba is an implementation of Server Message Block (SMB), the
protocol used by Windows machines for file and print
serving. It can be run on just about any Unix variant.
It is an "open" standard and defined in IETF RFC1001
and RFC1002.
Originally developed by IBM and called "Lan Manager".
"Adopted" and "extended" by Microsoft.
Contains clients to allow your Linux machine to
browse shares on other WinX machines on the network.
Allows your Linux machine be part of a
Peer-to-peer network,
Workgroup, or
NT Domain
Allows your Linux machine to be a PDC
Why Use Samba?
It can be used to replace or add to NT servers on
your network.
Stable
Runs on less expensive computers and "legacy"
equipment.
No client or server licenses are necessary.
Where are the docs?
Samba comes with LOTS of docs. In Red Hat you will find
them in /usr/doc/Samba-x.y.z where x.y.z is the version
of samba installed.
Samba Web Administration Tool (SWAT)
Swat is a GUI administration tool for Samba. If Samba
is installed on your machine and you put appropriate
lines in /etc/inetd.conf, you can use Swat by pointing
your browser at port 901 on your Linux server: http://computername/:901
