Really Linux, a "Website for Beginning Linux Users," has a nice article introducing those new to Linux to file serving with Samba. All the basics are covered here: configuring the server, adding shares, adding users, and connecting from Windows clients.

Integrating Fedora Linux into a Windows network is reasonable and easy as long as you use the SAMBA utilities. [...] Once integrated a Linux server looks and acts exactly like any other server on a Windows intranet. You will have the ability to drag and drop files, view server contents and directories using Windows File Manager, and even edit files on a Linux server from any Windows desktop.

As the introduction mentions, the HOWTO is specific to Fedora, so the examples are with native Fedora management tools. There are links to Samba documentation and a nice little troubleshooting section. This article would make an excellent resource for those just getting started with Linux or Samba.

For the complete piece, see Linux In a Windows Network with SAMBA.