[Samba] Suggestions please about what I need.

[Steve Campbell]

I hate to use that "noob" word, but in this case I think it might be 
proper.

Our company is getting ready to get rid of Netware and start using 
Samba. It will require that users log in and by doing so, have a login 
script map drives to particular drive letters base on either their user 
or group.

I've been administering Centos servers for quite a while. I have no 
problem with managing the Linux servers, but Samba appears to be a 
completely unique subject on its own, much like Sendmail, etc. I've read 
"Using Samba", and about anything else I can get my hands on, including 
as much of the "Howto" matter on the Samba site. I still have no idea 
how complex of a setup I need (AD or not, things like that). I don't 
think we'll be doing things like installing licensed software from the 
server, mostly just as I stated above.

For now, I'm fairly certain I'll use the Sernet installation. I'll be 
retiring soon, and I want to make things as easy as possible for 
whomever takes over. It'd be great if whatever I end up with has some 
form of GUI for managing users, groups, and shares, but not necessary. 
The person managing our Netware will be the one assuming this Samba 
responsibilty. No Linux experience, so the Gui would make it nice as 
they learn the ropes of LInux.

I'm looking for suggestions here for what level of installation I need. 
I'm sure once I get something installed, I can determine if it's the 
right way or not. Starting over is not off the table, but it'd be nice 
to get a clue before starting. Seems the more I read, the more confused 
I get. So much to Samba and the way it can be set up. I'm not much of a 
Windows server admin, which is perhaps the biggest problem.

Thanks for any pointers.

steve campbell