Claris Graphics Translator is designed to convert the internal format of a file to the internal format of Claris CAD (and vice versa). It requires that the files it translates be on a disk which is available to the Macintosh running the program. Usually this means you must find some method of transporting the file to the Macintosh. Because DXF and IGES files are text files, the process is easily accomplished through a number of methods. Here are some of the most popular techniques, and an overview of how each one is accomplished:
Apple File Exchange
Apple provides this translation/conversion utility with all Macintosh computers. If your computer is equipped with a high-density drive (sometimes called a SuperDrive, or FDHD drive) you can use AFE to copy the file from an MS-DOS format 3.5-inch disk to any Macintosh disk. You boot the AFE program, insert the disk containing the MS-DOS file, and click the "Translate" button.
Telecommunications
If both you and the person with whom you are exchanging files have a modem, you can use communications software to transmit the file between machines. You can either transmit the text, or use one of the popular telecommunications transfer protocols to accomplish the transfer.
Networks
Many mixed-platform networks Ñ AppleShare, TOPS, Novell Ñ include provisions to "mount" a MS-DOS or Unix volume as if it were a Macintosh disk. Once you can see the file on your desktop, you can copy it to your local machine and perform the conversion.
Dedicated Transfer Units and Add-In Boards
There are add-in boards or software designed especially to allow the Mac to read MS-DOS format diskettes or run MS-DOS programs. These products provide built-in utilities that let you transfer data between the two formats.
All of the above methods also work if you are transferring data from the Macintosh to the other platform.