Server Message Block (SMB)

SMB is the basic protocol for file sharing with Windows OS, connecting PC-compatible computers to a LAN.

It uses CIFS (Common Internet File System), a networking standard combining SMB connectivity with Internet file sharing.

Samba (www.samba.org) is an open source application developed to provide compatibility with CIFS and SMB client services.

In the Finder, choose Go > Connect to Server to connect to an SMB server by name. In the Connect to Server dialog, you can browse for servers or choose previously-saved favorite servers. You can also browse for servers by clicking the Network icon in the Sidebar and selecting WORKGROUP (or the name of your local Windows workgroup). SMB is enabled by turning on Windows Sharing in the Services pane of Sharing preferences. The bottom part of the pane provides instructions for other users who want to connect to your computer.

Users wishing to log in must have local user accounts. Furthermore, you must choose which accounts can use Windows Sharing by clicking the Accounts button in the Services pane of Sharing preferences.