Abstract: A system and method for differentiating private and shared files is disclosed. The invention includes the steps of: receiving a request from a computer for access to a shared file; providing the computer with access to a computer specific private copy of the shared file, if the private copy already exists; and creating the computer specific private copy of the shared file for the computer to access, if the private copy does not already exist and if write access to the shared file is requested.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for editing a file. Within the method of the present invention: an edit region is designated within the file; an initial edit is effected on an original character string within the designated edit region; a record of the initial edit and the edit region in which the initial edit is made is saved in memory; subsequent instances of the original character string are identified only within the edit region; and suggested edits to the subsequent instances of the original character string are derived from the initial edit retrieved from the memory. The system of the present invention includes: a means for designating an edit region within the file; a means for effecting an initial edit on an original character string within the designated edit region; and a means for identifying subsequent instances of the original character string only within the edit region.