How to reliably share files and folders between Windows 10 PCs

This thread is very relevant to my needs.

For the first time ever, I will try to create a central server to hold all the documents for my wife's small business with (currently) three and (soon) four employees in the same Workgroup LAN. We are NOT yet a domain.

Mostly Excel, with many jpg and other pictures, some Word, lots of pdf, and then miscellaneous files, including some short videos. Ideally, each employee will be able to access anything, and modify, re-save, save as new doc, etc.

So, where should I start and what should I get? I know, lots of choices, but what is a good starting point, with its own backup just in case?

My skill level? I'm a real estate lawyer, but I've kept our home and small office Windows machines going since 2001, with a start on awareness of home Workgroup networking since maybe 2008. Only Windows, never Linux and not even Apple. Only Office and some Acrobat.

If this isn't the right thread, please point me.

Thanks.

glnz said:

This thread is very relevant to my needs...

If this isn't the right thread, please point me.

IMO this IS the right forum but not the right thread. Your needs are very different from the OP so to address them here would run the risk of being confusing to the OP, you and any contributors.

I would suggest creating a new post in the same Network and Sharing forum with a title like 'Shared access to documents in non-domain LAN' or similar then, in your post, just reference this thread. That way there'll be less confusion between two functionally different goals (and hardware, client devices, etc.)

In your new post, describe your current LAN and the devices attached to it, including makes and models. Basically, help us to help you by giving as much info as possible.

Hope this helps...

Rick - done, See How to get started with Server orNAS to share files in non-domain LAN?