How do I create a public share on Windows Server 2012 for use within my workgroup/network?
I have managed to create a share within the File and Storage Service, but I'm not sure how I can make the share public so that no authentication is needed when I try to mount the network share from a different computer on my private network.
Or is there an alternative? Should I create a user on the server just to login to the share? (I don't want to give out the administrator password to people on the network).
It's on a workgroup, not a domain. (Should I setup a Domain Controller instead?)
Best Answer
As Brent states, the easiest, but least secure approach, is to give the
Everyonegroup access.However, it's probably a better idea to setup a user just for access to that share and give out the credentials to that account. It's more secure, and gives you more options - you can set up different users with different access levels, and if your network is compromised, you have some protection against a malicious user stealing or destroying the information on your share. Or if the credentials end up being distributed, you can change the password, so only the people you want to have access, actually have access.
As to setting up a domain... that's an option too, but depending on the size of your network (how many users and client machines), it might be more trouble than it's worth. Though, aside from very small network setups, it does make life a lot easier, allowing central management of all user accounts, permissions and even cmputers, just for starters.