NetB

NetB is a network utility that facilitates the sharing of files and other resources between computers running different operating systems. It was developed by Andrew Tridgell and was originally known as Samba. NetB allows Windows clients to access file and print services on Unix-like systems, and vice versa. It works by implementing the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, which is the native file-sharing protocol used by Windows.

The primary function of NetB is to enable interoperability between Windows and non-Windows environments. This means that a computer running Linux or macOS can act as a file server for Windows machines, or a Windows machine can access files shared from a Linux server, without requiring specialized software on either end. Beyond file and print sharing, NetB can also be used for network browsing, allowing computers on a network to discover each other and the resources they offer.

NetB is a crucial tool for mixed-OS environments, simplifying network administration and resource accessibility. It is widely used in both home and corporate networks. Its development is ongoing, with continuous improvements and updates to support new features and security enhancements. The project is open-source and available under the GNU General Public License.