What is Samba primarily used for in a network environment?

Samba is a software suite that enables seamless file and print services to SMB/CIFS clients, which means it is particularly designed to interact with Microsoft Windows clients or servers. It allows non-Windows systems to communicate within a Windows network by providing support for Windows file sharing, printer sharing, and authentication services. This is essential for organizations that have mixed operating systems (such as Linux and Windows) to function cohesively and share resources efficiently.

By using Samba, organizations can ensure that their Linux servers can serve files and printers to Windows users, allowing for a collaborative and integrated work environment across different platforms. This capability is fundamental in a network where various operating systems need to coexist and share resources effectively.