
Copyright © 2011 Canonical Ltd. and members of the Ubuntu Documentation Project
This document explains how to share files between Kubuntu and Windows®.
Table of Contents
Computer networks are often comprised of diverse systems. While operating a network made up entirely of Kubuntu desktop and server computers would certainly be fun, some network environments will consist of Kubuntu and Microsoft® Windows® systems working together. This section of the Kubuntu Server Guide introduces principles and tools used for configuring Kubuntu servers to share network resources with Windows® computers.
Successfully networking a Kubuntu system with Windows® clients involves providing and integrating services common to Windows® environments. These services support sharing data and information about the computers and users on the network, and may be classified into three major categories:
File and Printer Sharing Services. The Server Message Block (SMB) protocol is used to facilitate sharing files, folders, volumes, and printers throughout the network.
Directory Services. Vital information is shared about the computers and users of the network with such technologies as the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) and Microsoft® Active Directory®.
Authentication and Access. It is necessary to be able to establish the identity of a computer or user to determine the information the computer or user is authorized to access. Authentication and access use principles and technologies such as file permissions, group policies, and the Kerberos™ authentication service.
A Kubuntu system can provide all such capabilities for Windows® clients and enable sharing network resources with them. One of the principal pieces of software included in a Kubuntu system for Windows® networking is the Samba suite of SMB server applications and tools.
This section of the Kubuntu Server Guide will introduce some of the ways Samba is commonly used, and how to install and configure the necessary packages. Additional detailed documentation and information on Samba can be found on the Samba website.