Samba helps in a mixed OS environment - if using a purely Linux
environment then it's not needed as far as I can make out but not had
the chance to test it. I know that first time a fresh install of
Ubuntu is pointed at a Windows share it will request Samba, plus all
the relevant dependencies that come with it.

LAC> If what you are saying is true why do many people ( like myself)
LAC> install Samba?