Abstract: A shared-data system, such as could be used with an intranet or internet, in which a large quantity of files available in a file system are each individually assigned an identification number. This identification number is then converted into a non-location-based URL, such as a simple scalar number, which can be retained in a user's network browser. Further, each file has associated therewith an individual data object, by which an owner of a particular file can specify read and write access to the file. The system enables new users to create their own accounts to access the file system, without causing a general security breach. The use of location-independent URLs to identify files enables individual users to organize the files independently, and also avoids "stale" web links which occur when websites are reorganized.