2008 srv as workgroup

Novice,

Setting up a 2008 std srv as a workgroup.
I would rather setup as a domain but the users in the main office are using vista home premium I understand it is not possible with this product.
I have the server at my office now and I do not know how to connect to it.
I can ping it from both directions my pc <> 2008 srv.
I can ping using the host name on both computers.
On the server I have two partitons one for the os 6g Drive c: and drive E: Vol1 271g.

When I do a search from my XP-Pro pc – Search for computer on the network
I use the name of the 2008 Srv (hostname). it returns no results.

Since it is not a domain how do I connect or see a the directories/folders.

Thanks for your time.