| Using Samba, Second Edition is a comprehensive guide to Samba administration. This new edition covers all versions of Samba from 2.0 to 2.2, including selected features from an alpha version of 3.0, as well as the SWAT graphical configuration tool. Updated for Windows 2000, ME, and XP, the book also explores Samba's new role as a primary domain controller and domain member server, its support for the use of Windows NT/2000/XP authentication and filesystem security on the host Unix system, and accessing shared files and printers from Unix clients.
You are reading a book about Samba, a software suite that networks Windows, Unix, and other operating systems using Windows' native networking protocol. Samba allows Unix servers to offer Windows networking services by matching the filesystem and networking models of Unix to those of Windows. Samba acts as a bridge between the two systems, connecting the corresponding parts of their architectures and providing a translation wherever necessary.
Bridging the gap between systems as dissimilar as Windows and Unix is a complex task, which Samba handles surprisingly well. To be a good Samba administrator, your abilities must parallel Samba's. For starters, you need to know basic Unix system and network administration and have a good understanding of Windows filesystems and networking fundamentals. In addition, you need to learn how Samba fills in the "gray area" between Unix and Windows. Once you know how everything fits together, you'll find it easy to configure a Samba server to provide your network with reliable and high-performance computational resources. |
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