In my setup, I have a FreeBSD (soon to be Debian) server hosting multiple working samba shares. I access these shares from my Windows 7 laptop and Ubuntu 12.10 desktop, all on the same LAN segment. I can mount and use the shares without any trouble. However, my server machine does not show up under "Network Devices" under Win7 or Ubuntu. Which Samba or other settings must I adjust to make the machine visible to the network, both on Windows 7 and Ubuntu?
I've read the docs, but I'm still confused.
Edit: I have NO idea what WINS is or does. Clarification on this point would be appreciated. I want to access my server by a hostname... do I need DNS or WINS?