Hello all. I've just recently started using Linux (CentOS), as I'm using it one of my classes at school.

I'm working on a project and could use some help/guidance.

Here's exactly what I'm looking for: Using a Windows client, perform a domain login (Samba or similar). Access a shared file stored on
the domain server remotely (Samba/NFS)

I have a SAMBA server currently on one of my instances (using VirtualBox), however I am unsure of how I am supposed to have my Windows Client authenticate/login into my SAMBA server. I am unsure if I'm supposed to be implementing AD or something along the lines of that?

I can \\192.168.1.159 in a run box, and I am able to see my shares that I am allowing access to off the SAMBA server, but I am unsure of how to physically authenticate my Windows Client, and actually log into the domain.

Any help would be extremely appreciated! Anything else I can post to help out, let me know!

Extra Details [if needed]
Also have running:
NFS
DNS Server & DHCP
In the process of setting up NIS as well

We usually don't do your homework. That said, I will give some general information, and leave it up to you to look up the details.

If you can 'see' the share from your windows client, double clicking it should bring up a dialog asking for user ID and password. For a log in to occur, you have to add the remote user to samba, and set up a password. Once that is done, you should be able to log in.

If you have not added the remote user, or use a wrong password, you will not be able to access the share.

I apologize if you thought I was asking "to do" my homework, that's not at all the case.

I was just looking for guidance as to what steps I need to take to fulfill what I'm trying to accomplish.

I'm not prompted for any credentials, being said. I'm prompted for credentials if I'm on the linux box and trying to access files on my windows machine, but it's not the same vice versa[what I'm trying to figure out]

How would I implement Active Directory, or such?

You probably need to look at your smb.conf file. Have a look for the parameter Mine is set for user, that causes the credentials to be asked for.