How do I get the browser to allow Office programs to open files?

Question

I have created a .JSP/servlet index of documents on a server. Basically, the JSP displays a list of all the documents in a directory with a summary of each and a link out to the right...like this:
<b>reference document<b> open
Word documents and PDF files open fine b/c they open in the new browser window, however, most other documents such as .XLS, .ZIP, and .PPT all return gibberish to the browser window. Obviously, I would prefer that the browser allow the associated program on the user's PC to open the file but I have no idea how to do that effectively...especially since I am dealing with a variety of filetypes??
Can someone tell me what the best way would be to manage this problem given that it could be any number of file types??
any help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Chuck

Answer 1

I have gotten closer...I can get the application to open with the below code using response.setHeader() as follows but the file is not opened:
<%
String filename = request.getParameter("filename");
out.print(filename);
String format = ".PPT";
if ((format != null) && (format.equals(".PPT"))) {
response.setHeader("Content-Type","application/ms-powerpoint");
response.setHeader("Content-Disposition", "attachment;");
response.setHeader("Content-Disposition", "filename=".concat("test.ppt"));
%>
So, I am close...I was hoping someone could explain how to get the file to open in the application...right now all that happens is the app. opens but no content is diplayed.
Do I also have to do something like FileOutputStream with the file? can somebody possibly provide an example?
thanks again,
Chuck