converting scalar to an array of elements

From: Chuckb (charles.h.brashear_at_boeing.com)
Date: 02/07/04 

Date: Sat, 7 Feb 2004 13:17:33 GMT

I should know this but, what is the quickest way to convert a scalar value
into an array?
Ex: $name="Fred";
    so that
$arrayname[0]="F";
$arrayname[1]="r";
$arrayname[2]="e";
$arrayname[3]="d";

Thanks!