The Public folder in Vista is designed to simplify file sharing. Once you enable public folder sharing, the Public folder and all the subfolders and files contained within it are automatically shared. This eliminates the need for you to have to share individual folders. For example, if you have a folder called Marketing on your computer that you want to share with users, all you have to do is copy or move it into the Public folder.

By default, public folder sharing is disabled in Vista. To enable public folder sharing:

1. Open the Network and Sharing Center.
2. Under the Sharing and Discovery section, click the down arrow beside Public folder sharing.
3. Select one of the following options:
   • Turn on sharing so anyone with network access can open files.
   • Turn on sharing so anyone with network access can open, change and create files.
4. Click Apply.

By completing the steps above, anyone with a user account on your computer or anyone on the network will have access to the subfolders and files on your Public folder. One disadvantage to this file sharing method is that you cannot restrict access to certain files and subfolders within the Public folder. It is all or nothing. However, you can restrict the type of access but selecting the appropriate option described above in step 3. For example,
you can add a level of security to your Public folder by enabling password-protected sharing. By doing so, only those network users who have a user account and password on your computer will be able to access the Public folder.

To enable password-protect sharing in Vista:

1. Open the Network and Sharing Center.
2. Under the Sharing and Discovery section, click the down arrow beside Password protected sharing.
3. Click the option labeled Turn on password protected sharing.
4. Click Apply.