Summary

Samba, the Linux implementation of the Server Message Block protocol, is the best way to configure and manage heterogeneous networks that include Windows machines as well as those running Linux or Unix. Samba is included with most Linux distributions as part of a general server-level installation, and is easy to configure through the smb.conf file. You can administer Samba at the command line or through the SWAT web interface. Since Samba is a relatively straightforward service, troubleshooting is minimal. With Samba, no Linux administrator need fear a mixed network that incorporates Windows desktops into a secure Unix environment.