The default configuration of the LightRocket platform features a front and back end.
The back-end, where your archive resides, is only accessible to registered contributors and admins. Contributors will see and can manage only their own content - meaning files they have uploaded or that have been placed in their folder/workspace by an admin.
Admins, however, can see all folders and can manage content from any and all contributors across the entire archives
The front-end is usually an open online space where non-logged-in members of the public may browse files that have been 'published' and for which access has not been restricted.
It's important to note that for all files published to the front end of your system though they may be visible, NONE will be downloadable without the user being logged in and/or having appropriate permissions.
LightRocket allows admins and editors to set access levels for files files which are published (become visible on the front-end of the system). This means that only logged-in users with corresponding levels of access will be able to view or download (depending on permissions) those files.
If you're not comfortable allowing the public to browse any of your files on the front end of your platform, LightRocket can provide you with a gateway page, forcing visitors to either register or enter their user details in order to browse 'published' files.