Package: libpam-smbpass
Version: 2:3.2.1-1
Severity: minor
This is part of a set of related bugreports on the packages in the
Samba suite; I've already reported many of these issues (with some
suggested fixes) as a single bugreport on samba4 (see #486370), but
since that approach is a dud I'm trying the alternative of splitting
them up and targetting individual packages.
Current package description:
# Description: pluggable authentication module for SMB/CIFS password database
# This is a stackable PAM module that allows a system administrator to easily
# migrate to using encrypted passwords for Samba and to keep smb passwords in
# sync with unix passwords. Unlike other solutions, it does this without
# requiring users to change their existing passwords or login to Samba using
# cleartext passwords.
Problems shared with other packages in the set:
* this synopsis obeys DevRef's recommendation of dropping an initial
article, but then overzealously extends the rule to "[the]
SMB/CIFS password database".
* Samba is all about OS interoperability, so keep the OS names
straight. These "unix passwords" aren't just for UNIX,
they're also used on GNU/Linux! In fact, why not stick to
talking about "/etc/passwd"?
* "PAM module" is a mild but easily avoidable PIN-numberism (and
"stackable" is redundant).
* and a wishlist item: WIBNI all the packages in the suite had
consistently styled short descriptions. Likewise, in this
case, consistent what-Samba-is boilerplate.
Problems unique to this package:
* six repetitions of the word "password(s)"!
* "smb passwords" - make that "SMB", or avoid the jargon entirely.
* the noun is one word, "a login", but the verb is "to log
(oneself) in (to...)".
* "requiring" users to change passwords directly inconveniences
them; "requiring" users to use cleartext logins does not, so
don't phrase it as if they were parallel cases.
And something I don't know Samba well enough to be sure about: are
the "other solutions" it mentions still relevant in the 21st century
or does this need a complete rewrite?
Suggested replacement text:
| Description: Samba pluggable authentication module
| The Samba software suite implements the SMB/CIFS protocol, providing
| cross-platform support for Windows-style network shares.
| .
| This package provides a module for PAM that lets Samba migrate to using
| encrypted passwords, and keep them in sync with /etc/passwd. Unlike other
| solutions, it does this without needing Samba logins to be sent in
| cleartext, or forcing users to change their existing passwords.
--
JBR - please CC me (or the debian-l10n-english list) in replies
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