The Samba software suite is a collection of programs that implements the SMB protocol for unix systems.

Samba is an Open Source/Free Software suite that provides seamless file and print services to SMB/CIFS clients.

Samba is freely available, unlike other SMB/CIFS implementations, and allows for interoperability between Linux/Unix servers and Windows-based clients.

Samba is software that can be run on a platform other than Microsoft Windows, for example, Linux, OpenVMS, IBM System 390, UNIX, and other operating systems. Samba uses the TCP/IP protocol that is installed on the host server.

When correctly configured, it allows that host to interact with a Microsoft Windows client or server as if it is a Windows file and print server.

Samba is a software package that gives network administrators flexibility and freedom in terms of setup, configuration, and choice of systems and equipment.

Because of all that it offers, Samba has grown in popularity, and continues to do so, every year since its release in 1992.