Samba is an open-source software suite that runs on Unix/Linux based platforms but is able to communicate with Windows clients like a native application.

So Samba is able to provide this service by employing the Common Internet File System (CIFS).

At the heart of this CIFS is the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol.

Why Samba is used in Linux?

Linux Samba Server is one of the powerful servers that helps you to share files and printers with Windows-based and other operating systems. It is an open-source implementation of the Server Message Block/Common Internet File System (SMB/CIFS) protocols.

How do I use Samba?

Installing Samba

• On your Linux machine, open a terminal window.
• Install the necessary software with the command sudo apt-get install -y samba samba-common python-glade2 system-config-samba.
• Type your sudo password and hit Enter.
• Allow the installation to complete.