Defenitions

• SMB - Server Message Block
  A protocol for sharing files, printers, and other resources between computers.
• CIFS - Common Internet File System
  The latest incarnation of the SMB protocol.
• NetBIOS - Network Basic Input Output System
  A protocol developed by IBM to identify machines on a small LAN by a 16 byte name
• WINS - Windows Internet Naming Service
  An implementation of a NetBIOS server for Microsoft Networks which provides machine identification by the 16 byte name as well as IP address
• Workgroup
  A collection of machines networked together on the same subnet
• Domain
  A Workgroup with one addition, it has a primary domain controller that authenticates access to network resources as well as maintain resource lists
• PDC - Primary Domain Controller
  A computer that controls access to resources in the domain and maintains the security configuration for the domain.
• BDC - Backup Domain Controller
  An optional machine which has the ability to take over for the Primary Domain Controller should it fail. Multiple BDC's can exist on a network, and will sync with the PDC periodically to keep current. Samba cannot function as a BDC.
• Browsing
  A means by which clients can determine what resources are available to on the network.
• Elections
  A way to determine what computer in the Workgroup or Domain is responsible for maintaining resource lists.