Selective performance of document processing functions on electronic documents stored in a portable data storage device

A method for performing functions on electronic documents stored in a portable data storage device, the electronic documents having respective file types and names, the method comprising:

• receiving the portable data storage device;
• receiving user input of a selected function of a plurality of functions, each function capable of being performed independently by a multifunction peripheral, the plurality of functions including a print function for printing data from the portable data storage device and a facsimile function for sending a facsimile from the portable storage device;
• identifying, using the multifunction peripheral, which of the electronic documents are capable of having the selected function performed thereon;
• displaying, on the multifunction peripheral, a name only for each of the identified electronic documents, the identified electronic documents including at least one Microsoft® Word document;
• receiving user selection of one of the displayed names;
• converting, using the multifunction peripheral, the electronic document corresponding to the selected name into page description language suitable for output by the multifunction peripheral device via the selected function;
• and
• performing the selected function on the converted electronic document corresponding to the selected name.

An apparatus for performing functions on electronic documents stored in a portable data storage device, the electronic documents having respective file types and names, the apparatus comprising a storage medium storing instructions which, when executed by a processor, will cause the apparatus to:

• receive the portable data storage device;
• receive user input of a selected function of a plurality of functions, each function capable of being performed independently by a multifunction peripheral, the plurality of functions including a print function for printing data from the portable data storage device and a facsimile function for sending a facsimile from the portable storage device;
• identify, on the multifunction peripheral, which of the electronic documents are capable of having the selected function performed thereon;
• display, at the multifunction peripheral, a name only for each of the identified electronic documents, the identified electronic documents including at least one Microsoft® Word document;
• receive user selection of one of the displayed names;
• convert, on the multifunction peripheral, the electronic document corresponding to the selected name into page description language suitable for output by the multifunction peripheral device via the selected function;
• and
• perform the selected function on the converted electronic document corresponding to the selected name.