Chapter 7 - SMB for Linux and OpenVMS

Abstract

The server message block (SMB) protocol of Windows is likely to be used among different operating systems. Windows NT and Windows 2000 server systems, with some client licenses, provide disk and printer sharing plus authentication to use the resources. Open Source tools are required on other operating systems to provide integrated file, print, and authentication. SAMBA has become a GNU-licensed, Open Source disk-sharing and printer-sharing network protocol that will let Linux, OpenVMS, or UNIX systems participate in a Windows workgroup, NT 4.0 domain, or Windows Enterprise domain. The software is distributed for free for OpenVMS and Linux. SAMBA is also included as a part of the standard RedHat 7.3 distribution. All of this is managed through a protocol suite currently known as the common internet file system (CIFS). The ability to share file and print services today is assumed for all operating systems. Windows is the largest client population likely to be found on a network. So the easiest way to do this is to add Windows security and sharing to Linux. This offers an authentication mechanism common across most desktop platforms, and also includes file and printer services for Windows clients that can be stored on a Linux server. Installing Linux as an SMB server with RedHat 7.3 allows choosing an SMB server, which will automatically install SAMBA.