Converting Apple II files to Mac

[joreilly@smtp.dorsai.org (James OReilly)]

I hate to mention this subject, as I am using my Apple IIgs as my main
computer.  However, I have been asked by someone who has acquired a Mac 
Centris 610 whether he could run his favorite Apple IIgs programs on his 
Mac.  I explained to him that the Mac is incompatible with the Apple II
and that he could not run any Apple II programs on his Mac.  I have not
mentioned the Apple IIgs emulator, Bernie ][ to Rescue, as he does not
have a power Mac.

I understand however that he could convert Apple II files using Apple File
Exchange, which comes with the earlier versions of the Mac OS.  Later
versions come with PC File Exchange.  I have heard conflicting opinions
about whether one can convert Apple II files using PC Exchange.  With
which version did the Mac OS change from AFE to PCFE?  Will PCFE convert
Apple II files?

I have also heard that Claris Works could read Apple Works files and
convert them to its own format.  Can it also convert other Apple II files?
Was that true only of the earlier versions of Claris Works?  I know that
Apple has confused things by renaming Claris Works as Apple Works.  When I
say Apple Works in this discussion I mean Apple II Apple Works.

Another difficulty occurs in that the Apple II uses DS/DD (double-sided,
double density) floppy disks and drives, rather than the DS/HD
(double-sided, high density) floppies the later Macs use.  Of course, the
Mac uses only 3.5" floppies.  Do earlier Macs read both DS/DD disks and
DS/HD disks?  Is this a function of the Mac hardware (i.e. earlier models
of the Mac), or of the OS version?  Would one have to find a Mac which can
read both kinds of disks?  In other words, how can one convert data
written on a DS/DD Apple II disk so that it can be read by a Mac which
reads only DS/HD drives?

I suppose one could always upload Apple II files as text to a Mac where it
would be reconverted to Mac text.

I would appreciate any comments anyone might offer.  I know people have
solved this problem but I don't use a Mac so I don't know the answers.

				Jim O'Reilly