Samba is a file sharing protocol for Linux like is Windows File Sharing for the same operating system. In Windows you do not need additional software as it already contains native sharing protocol which is accessed by right clicking a folder, file or partition then selecting Properties and then Sharing. Samba has an additional feature consisting in the fact that from Linux you can access network shares and backwards.
Regarding the application request, it seems that Samba remains the best and the most convenient way to access files between Windows, Linux and eventually Mac.
