A Shared workbook is a workbook that has been set up to allow multiple users on a network to view and make changes at the same time. Each user who saves the workbook sees the changes made by other users. You must have Microsoft excel 97 or later to modify a shared workbook. To share a workbook follow these steps.

On the Tools menu, click Share Workbook, and then click the Editing tab.

Select the Allow changes by more than one user at the same time check box, and then click OK.

(Figure 3.15)

When prompted, save the workbook.

(Figure 3.16)

On the File menu, click Save As, and then save the shared workbook on a network location where other users can gain access to it. When you make a file shared, Shared keyword is appended to the tilte of the workbook.

In a shared workbook, information that is maintained about changes made in past editing sessions. The information includes the name of the persons who made each shanges, when the changes was made,and what data was changed. You can view the information directly on the worksheet or on a separate history worksheet.

You can protect the change history only if it is not already password protected.

Point to Protection on the Tools menu, and then click Protect Shared Workbook.If the workbook is not already shared, click Protect and Share Workbook

(Figure 3.17)

Select the Sharing with Track Changes check box.

If you want to require other users to supply a password to turn off the change history or remove the workbook from shared use, type the password in the Password box, and then re­enter the password when prompted.

This option is available only if the workbook is not already shared.