Authors Gerald Carter and Richard Sharpe dedicate most of this book to the processes of installing and configuring Samba, distinguishing between both Linux/Windows- and Unix/Windows-based systems. In particular, they discuss the mechanics of file sharing across the dual platforms and expertly outline the means necessary to remedy common problems. One remedy includes helping you identify which version of Samba you are running and where to look for the patch or bug fix you will need to resolve it. This includes assisting you with locating utilities like autoconf that automatically compile a system configuration file for you with common default settings.

The authors also address security and password issues, as well as peripheral support for server printers. If you are looking to get Linux or Unix dancing with Windows, you would do well to get a copy of Sams Teach Yourself Samba in 24 Hours. --Ryan Kuykendall

About the Author

Gerald Carter has been a member of the Samba Team, a group of people worldwide who develops and documents Samba, since 1998 and is actively involved in distributed network authentication solutions. His journey with Samba began three years prior while employed as a network administrator for Auburn University. Gerald has published articles with various web-based magazines such as Linuxworld and has authored instructional course for companies such as Linuxcare. Today Gerald spends much of his time teaching at conferences, writing, and developing Samba.

Gerald, known by his friends as Jerry, first became interested in computers in 1983 with a Commodore 64 and a copy of "Zork I: The Great Underground Empire," which he now carries on his Palm III (Zork I, not the C64). In 1997, he received his Master's degree in Computer Science from Auburn University, where one day he hopes to finish pursuing his PhD, also in Computer Science.

His hobbies include running, hiking, and playing music. Gerald presently resides near Lake Martin in Dadeville, Alabama, with his wife Kristi.