samba

smbd [options]
nmbd [options]
winbindd [options]
smbclient [options]
testparm [options]
samba-tool [options]

-D
    Run as a daemon (background process).

-F
    Run in foreground (not as a daemon).

-s configfile
    Specify the configuration file to use. Default is /etc/samba/smb.conf.

-i
    Run interactively.

-d debuglevel
    Set the debug level (0-10).

--help
    Display help information.

--version
    Display version information.

Samba is an implementation of the Server Message Block (SMB)/Common Internet File System (CIFS) protocol, which allows non-Windows machines, like those running Linux, to share files and printers with Windows systems over a network. It provides a robust and versatile solution for interoperability between different operating systems, enabling seamless resource sharing. Samba can act as a file server, allowing Windows clients to access files stored on a Linux server, and also as a print server, enabling Windows clients to print to printers connected to the Linux server.

Samba uses the NetBIOS name service. Samba configuration file defines how resources are shared and which security measures are enabled. Using it, administrators can control access to shared resources, define user permissions, and manage network settings. Security is a key aspect of Samba, and it supports various authentication mechanisms to protect shared resources from unauthorized access.

Proper configuration is critical for Samba's security and functionality. Incorrect configurations can lead to security vulnerabilities or prevent resource sharing.

Samba consists of several key components:
smbd: The SMB daemon, which provides file and print services.
nmbd: The NetBIOS name server, which resolves NetBIOS names to IP addresses.
winbindd: A daemon that integrates Samba with Active Directory.

Samba was originally developed by Andrew Tridgell in the early 1990s. It emerged as a solution to enable file and print sharing between Unix-like systems and Windows machines. Over the years, Samba has undergone significant development and has become a crucial component in many organizations' networks. It is actively maintained and updated to support the latest versions of the SMB protocol and to address security vulnerabilities.

net(8), smb.conf(5)