Definition: Samba is a client/server system that implements network resource sharing for Linux and other UNIX computers. With Samba, UNIX files and printers can be shared with Windows clients and vice versa. Samba supports the Session Message Block (SMB) protocol. Nearly all Windows computers include SMB support with their internal network subsystems (NetBIOS in particular).
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With an appropriately-configured Samba server on Linux, Windows clients can map drives to the Linux filesystems. Likewise, the Samba client on UNIX can connect to Windows shares by their UNC name. Although differences among various operating systems (such as filesystem naming conventions, end-of-line conventions, and authentication) can limit interoperability, Samba offers a generally serviceable mechanism for resource sharing on a heterogenous network.
Also Known As: NetBIOS for UNIX
Related Resources:
Sharing Resources with Samba
Learn how to use Samba to share files between Windows and Linux/UNIX systems.Linux Networking Directory
These online resources explain the networking capability of a Linux system and how to work within this seemingly hostile environment.
Elsewhere on the Web:
Samba Home Page
Download Samba releases, catch up on the latest development news, or simply browse the documentation.
