Samba
Samba (samba.org) is an open-source project that provides network-based file and printer sharing capabilities typically found on Microsoft server platforms. It is described as a re-implementation of Microsoft's own SMB / CIFS protocols to the point of operating as a Primary Domain Controller (as found on Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 Server). It can function within Active Directory but is not capable of being a full Active Directory Controller (as found on Microsoft Windows 2000 /2003 Server). When installed and configured on FreeBSD other Windows computers will see it is a Windows file server on the network.
Two web based systems exist to manage Samba servers:
- Samba Web Administration Tool, SWAT, is specifically designed for managing Samba;
- Webmin is a modular management system that has a Samba component.
The project also enable a FreeBSD user to connect to other file servers whether the remote system is a Windows based or Samba based server.
These articles will cover installing Samba under FreeBSD, configuring it, and configuring the client windows machines.
