Samba provides file and print services to Windows PCs. It enables a Linux or Unix server to work as a file server for client PCs running Windows software. The new version also introduces support for Microsoft's Active Directory for allocating and controlling user access rights.

Samba 3's scalability is as impressive as its performance. While Windows performance scales up well initially, it then drops off quickly as more clients access the server. In contrast, Samba 3 offered excellent throughput up to the limit of our test, conducted on a low-spec Intel server.

Consequently, firms could save money on licence fees, and on hardware, by using Samba instead of Windows servers. IT consultant Alan Munday, who recommends Samba to his clients, said the resulting saving was a key consideration for firms.

Munday is already using version 3 at some smaller sites. However, he was dismissive of Active Directory. "I'm not [interested in the new Active Directory features] because the primary focus for my smaller clients is to migrate away from their ageing NT servers."