Abstract: A local file storage is provided for a virtual machine running on a server. A common directory is created on the local file storage, including files usable by the virtual machine. A private directory is created on the local file storage, including user files accessible only by a single user of the virtual machine, wherein each virtual machine user has a separate private directory. The common directory and the private directory are accessed via the virtual machine and a common nomenclature, whereby the implementation of the common directory and the private directory on the local file storage is hidden from the user. The virtual machine may be accessed through a host environment, and each host environment user has a separate private directory.