Abstract: A method and apparatus allows a file to be transferred from a mainframe computer to a client computer. A folder is set up on the client computer with a list of filenames and/or filters that designates some of the files on the mainframe computer as belonging to the folder. Conversion properties are assigned to the folder. A file is requested using the folder name and filename, and the file is transferred from the mainframe to the client computer and converted according to the properties of the folder to which the file belongs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus allows files stored on a mainframe computer system to be manipulated from a client computer system such as a personal computer. The mainframe may be represented by a UNC identifier or drive letter and a hierarchical folder structure may be arranged for the UNC identifier or drive letter in a manner consistent with the manner for arranging folders for locally stored files. Filenames or templates capable of describing multiple filenames may be associated with each folder to allow files on the mainframe to be manipulated using the hierarchical folder structure in a manner similar to that of locally stored files.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides random access to mainframe files that are accessed using an operating system that does not provide random access. This allows a computer system such as a mainframe on which random access is not supported to act as a file server for a computer system on which random access is supported without requiring the entire file to be downloaded to the client computer system.