Changing from a Samba classic domain to Samba 4
Samba [1] is the tool of choice for providing Windows-like file and print sharing services on a Linux server. If you only need basic file and print services, switching to Samba 4 it not worth the effort because the new Samba is not so much different. Samba 4 still contains the smbd
, nmbd
, and winbindd
components, although it also has the samba
service on-board, which Samba needs for the new features. You will also find some limitations. For instance, Samba 4 reduces access to TDBs (trivial databases) to a minimum.
But, if you use Samba in a classic Windows NT4 domain setting, and if you are willing to delve more deeply into the Windows world, some of the new Samba 4 features might come in handy.
What's New?
The main feature of Samba 4 is the possibility of using a Samba server as a full-fledged replacement for a Windows AD domain controller. Samba 4 supports Windows environments as of Windows 2000.
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