[Jayce]

I have a Samba file server with Ubuntu 9.04 running with several users. Each user is using Windows XP and backs up their documents to their share on the Samba server.

Trick is, when a user goes to start - run - \\sambaserver, they have to log in. Okay, fine.

But using "system-config-samba" I noticed there's a server setting where I can change authentication mode. Options are: ADS, Domain, User, Share, Server.

What are the differences in these? And would any of these give me the option to authenticate users based on their XP logins on their local machines?

[oldskool]

ADS means Active Directory Server possibly ? Either that or the User option I would think. I am not sure how Ubuntu, Samba configured on a network along with XP and Active Directory all work together. But as for XP and AD, logging onto the local machine and then the domain is the normal route, so I am thinking either the ADS or the User option. But I really honestly don't know.

[Jayce]

I know Samba can somehow integrate with Windows networks. It's a popular option a lot of people go with to throw other curve balls into the mix. For example, if you're a complete whizz at hacking Windows, then a full Windows network is your playground. If you hack a Windows computer but the backend storage server is running Linux, well, that's a little swing in the situation. So I know it's possible, it's just... this is a home network... not a business. I was just trying to get tricky with my little setup and see what I can/can't do without the use of a domain.

[oldskool]

Maybe you could get a book on Samba to give you specifics.

[Saxon]

I have a book on samba jayce PM me your email address.