Samba

Linux · Self-hosted

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Freedom report

One barScore 5.2

Free tierNo free tier on record
Open codeNo open-source code on record
Runs widely1 of 6 device platforms
DocumentedPlans, terms and facts published

Samba is ranked #42 of 47 in file sharing software on Freedom251. It runs on Linux, Self-hosted.

Compared on file sharing software

Password-protected links: Yes

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The record

What it does: Samba is an open source implementation of SMB and Active Directory protocols for Linux and UNIX-like systems.
File and print services: It provides file and print services using SMB and other Active Directory protocols, including LDAP and Kerberos.
Active Directory roles: Samba can act as an Active Directory Domain Controller or as a member server.
Storage use: The project describes Samba as scalable distributed software for cluster filesystems, including use in PaaS, software-defined storage, HPC, and enterprise NAS.
License and project: Samba is licensed under the GNU General Public License and is developed, maintained, and supported by a worldwide community.
Downloads: Samba source code is distributed over HTTPS, and the site recommends using its GPG public key to verify current releases.
Platform availability: The download page says major Linux and Free Unix distributions provide Samba as a native package.
Security updates: The project publishes a security updates page and directs users to it for information about security releases.
Support: The project lists community support through Matrix and mailing lists, and links to independent commercial support providers.
Commercial support caveat: The Samba Team says it cannot assure or endorse the commercial support providers listed on its site.
Documentation: The project describes its wiki as comprehensive and the most up-to-date Samba documentation.
History: The project says Samba has continued to grow in popularity since its release in 1992.

Where it ranks on Freedom251

Best File Sharing Software in 2026#42 of 47

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Sources

samba.org/samba/what_is_samba.html· checked 5 Oct 2026
samba.org/samba/download/· checked 5 Oct 2026
samba.org/samba/support/· checked 5 Oct 2026
samba.org/samba/docs/· checked 5 Oct 2026