In 2003 I could set up a share and have the "everyone" group access it without having to have their network password match their server password. Now in 2008 I have to change their password on the server every time the network password changes which is now every 90 days. Am I wrong or shouldnt the "everyone" group allow anyone onto it?

You could grant read access to the "ANONYMOUS LOGON" principal if you have other security measures in place to protect the share from unauthorized access. Alternatively, you could set up a domain and use centralized authentication for the users. -- Mike Burr

Everyone in 2008 and later means local and domain principals and the guest account (if enabled) -- Mike Burr