FAXing through windows...

[beavereater]

This might be a really stupid question, because I have never needed a FAX or even used one, until recently. What I was wondering is, instead of buying a fax machine, can I send a FAX through my email, to the FAX number...do I need software (Is there any free ones out there) AND is it any good??

[vitualis]

Windows XP (and I'm pretty sure Windows 98 and up) includes a Faxing program that can both send and receive faxes. I don't think that it is installed by default in the standard Windows installation but it is an option. Basically, once installed, it looks like a printer so that you can fax from any program capable of printing.

You will need a modem capable of faxing (basically all of them unless you are using a 1980s relic) attached/installed on your PC.

Regards.

[flanman]

Windows faxing is very antiquated. I would recommend a very small utility called mighty fax. It installs like a printer, and no matter what application you are in you just choose that as your printer and just fill in fax info and you are done. I only use it 2-3 time a year, but effecient and simple to use.

flanman

[vitualis]

I'm just curious to know what this program adds on top of the Windows Faxing program... Windows Fax installs like a printer too so you can fax from any program...

I haven't actually used Windows Fax for a long time since I have a fax machine, but it seemed to work just fine the last time I used it... indeed, I thought the WinXP incarnation was pretty slick.

Best regards.

[redwudz]

I'm also a fan of Mighty Fax. Easy interface, cheap $20 for life, free upgrades. Doesn't need an instruction manual to understand. Or, if you like typical Microsoft bloatware go with MS.