Create a Linux File Server: Samba and NFS

Creating an internal network with servers for sharing and distributing files, which allows remote printing, and can communicate with computers using Windows and Linux is a simpler task than it seems. But for that, you need to know Samba. In this post you will learn a bit more about the Samba server, how it works, and why it can help businesses and small networks with data sharing. Follow along:

What is Samba?

Samba is an open source software that works as a server on Linux and Unix systems, and facilitates data sharing and distribution on networks that also communicate with computers running Windows. As IT systems commonly work with platforms created for Linux, using Samba becomes essential to transfer files and perform printing across the network between these different operating systems. It was created in 1992 by Australian Andrew Tridgell when he felt the need to mount a Unix server's disk space within the DOS system - from Windows - and since then has been updated by the open source community with new features, more security and better stability.

What does Samba do?

Simply put, Samba is responsible for services such as:

• File access and printing services;
• User authorization and authentication;
• File system browsing.

But beyond its basic functions, Samba has received updates to facilitate services that would normally take a long time, such as using DHCP, which allows the software to automatically send new network configurations to all connected devices, thus avoiding the need for manual configuration. Samba's network system works with authentication, so it is possible to protect specific files or folders using user or password authorization. When a file is placed on the network, there is also the option to share the data with specific people (in share mode), where the password for access is sent only to those who can view the file. Samba can also be accessed through a web browser, which is done through a SWAT (Samba Web Administration Tool) system, which can make a direct connection of the server with a Windows Server system, and can also be used as FTP with Ubuntu. Updated versions, such as Samba 4, already eliminate the need for Microsoft servers and also work as an Active Directory (AD) - one of the main options for environments that only work with Windows - which can be a good alternative to cut expensive license costs.

The advantages of Samba

Samba is widely used in networks that communicate with devices running Linux versions aimed at regular users - such as Ubuntu - and that need to exchange files with Windows. We can summarize the various advantages of using the system in a few points:

• It is free: as it is free software, Samba works with a license that allows its complete use for free, regardless of the size of the company or server;
• It is open: as part of the open source initiative, Samba allows major changes to the code, making it more open to new features;
• It works with different operating systems: the most basic characteristic of Samba is to promote file exchange between different systems;
• It allows access control: Samba allows the creation of users - or user groups - who can create and access specific files controlled by password.
• It can be used as FTP: on Ubuntu, Samba can be used as an FTP server for remotely controlling files.

In order to take full advantage of Samba's capabilities, it is necessary to understand how it works well and how to explore its potential. Therefore, before working with this system, it is important that the IT team takes a course and is well prepared for the possibilities that Samba can bring. Want to learn more about Samba? Check out our course and discover many possibilities! Also, learn much more about Linux in our online course. You can enroll here with a 7-day free trial. If you already have an account, you can access it here.

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