Sun Java System Portal Server, Secure Remote Access NetFile 1 Online Help |

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> # Understanding MIME Attachments

> MIME stands for Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions. It is a standard way to send files through email.

> NetFile is a MIME-capable mailer. You can use NetFile to attach and send word processing documents, spreadsheets, programs, images, audio, and other types of files through email.

> To handle a MIME attachment, the mail reader that receives the MIME attachment must be able to transform the attached file back into its original form. Most popular Internet mail readers, such as Eudora, Netscape Mail, and Internet Mail, have the ability to receive and handle MIME attachments.

> ### Configuring Application Types

> NetFile makes it easy and convenient for you to view various types of files. NetFile uses your browser to display information depending on the browser settings.

> For example, you might install a utility such as WinZip and configure your browser to use it as the helper application for files of type application/zip. It simplifies the handling of compressed files. Compressed files can save you time especially if you have a slow link.

> If you do not have the type configured, your browser prompts you for which helper application to use to view the file. After the first time, the browser uses the same helper application for a file of the same MIME type.

> You can associate the MIME type with a helper application at any time. For example, if you want Microsoft Word to display the contents of files with the .doc extension in Netscape 6.x, choose Preferences from the Edit menu, click on Navigator, and choose the Helper Applications link.

> Depending on the version or type of browser you use, the browser might ask for a MIME type and subtype or only a MIME type. If there is only one field to fill out, specify application/xxx, replacing xxx with the file extension. If it has a type and subtype field, then specify application for the type and xxx (the appropriate file type extension) for the subtype.

> Note | Netscape Navigator and Communicator use Microsoft Windows associations to set up your helper applications. Other versions of Netscape have similar procedures for setting up helper applications. The exact menu options you use might be different, depending on the version of the software that you are using.

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