Can I access/manipulate file properties and such details from Unix?

[Ramon F Herrera]

I would like that the Windows-side users of my application always find
the "View Details" as opposed to icons.  I would also like to choose the
details that they see, and the sorting order should also be decided
programmatically.  Even harder: I would like to add my own categories,
such as sort by "Deadline Date".

Can any of the above be accomplished from the Unix side?
Is this aspect documented properly by Microsoft?

Should I just give up from the Unix side and try to
do it from the Windows side instead?

Thanks,

-Ramon F. Herrera