
SAMBA
A Linux Based SMB File Server
LinuxSA Meeting
Matthew Tippett
Overview
- Allows a Linux system to act a file and print server for SMB clients
- Server runs on most Unix variants
- Supports clients such as
- LanManager for DOS
- Windows for Workgroups, Windows95, WindowsNT
- OS/2, Digital Pathworks
- Unix SMB client and NetBIOS nameserver
History
- Started Dec 1991 by Andrew Tridgell
- Mount Sun drives on a PC running Pathworks
- Version 1.0 released Jan 1992
- Andrew Converted To Linux in November 1992
- December 1993 `NetBIOS For Unix' project started
Linux & SAMBA
- Linux and Sun's form the base of development of SAMBA
- smbfs under construction
- Allows SMB shares to be `mounted' under Linux
- Part of the User Process File System
- Point of Leverage into Commercial server market
Features
- SMB file and print serving
- Unix client
- Username/password security
- Home directory/printer exporting
- Guest connections
- Name mangling (long to 8.3)
- Free, covered by the GPL
- LAN Manager compatible password encryption
Components
- smbd
- File and Print services daemon
- testparm - test smbd.conf file
- smbrun - Runs unix programs for smbd
- nmbd
- NetBIOS nameserver and browser controller
- smbclient
- Ftp-like program for accessing a different SMB servers shares
- smbstatus
- Tells who is logged on to a server
Getting Started with SAMBA
- Compilation
- Installation
- Configuration
- Testing
SAMBA as a Server
- Speed
- One contributer qoutes around 400 kb/s
- Compatibility
- Allows hiding of non 8.3 names or mangling
- Exists and can be browsed by multiple platforms
- Security
- Allows `Secure' connections with username/password
SAMBA as a Client
- FTP like interface to a SMB file server
- Print to a SMB print server
- Print direct with smbprint program
- Print with normal Unix print utilities (lpr, lp, etc)
- Add an appropriate /etc/printcap file
Real Life Applications
- Allows Linux to act as a multiprotocol file server
- Particular Applications
- Mail Server
- Domain Controller
- Competes well against Commercial SMB servers
More Information
- Web Page
- FTP
- Mailing List
- USENET News
Last updated: Wednesday, 18-Jun-1997 18:11:04 CST