Fax machine features you won't want to do without

While all fax machines may seem the same, the difference between a good buy and a big purchase is in the details. Here is a summary of the characteristics to look beyond price.

Not all faxes are equally easy to use. Find one that is. Probably most cases-overlooked detail relates to how they handle faxes. Having to turn the page so incoming faxes so they can be properly sorted Peev is a pet of mine. Think about it, did go to McDonald's and order a hamburger and have to shuffle and the bread of hamburger in the correct order before you can eat? Fortunately, some fax machines do print incoming faxes upside down to avoid the need for the fax shuffle. Also looking for well-designed inbound and outbound fax tray and therefore are not bombarded with a series of documents that must be ordered.

Have a fax machine with a healthy size paper tray is also important. Look for one that is not necessary to replace more than one to two times per week. Any more than that and you risk having an empty paper tray at night or on weekends. A fax-equipped to handle the memory of those who do not currently document is a very useful feature to have as a backup and adds little to the cost.

If you like saving money, go with a fax machine that can transmit at speeds faster. I recommend looking for a fax machine that can transmit to 14400 bits per second (bps) and which uses the Modified Amended Resolution Read (MMR) compression standards. Faxes should be sent at least 50 percent faster than 9600 bps fax machines, assuming that there is another 14400 bps fax machine on the receiving end. The offices that send a lot of faxes will appreciate the lower telephone bills, as well as the increased availability of the fax. While there are 33600 bps around the machines are not widely available, meaning that the theoretical speed is rarely achieved.

If you're thinking of a multifunctional device, find one that has a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. Parallel port connections are slow and should be avoided whenever possible. And be sure to find out if a PC is necessary for putting into it even if you just buy a multifunctional device as a fax machine. I made that mistake once and had to struggle on finding a Windows PC when our office had only Macintosh at the time.

0There are still a fax feature that I have not seen, however. Have you ever picked up a phone call and heard the sound of a fax trying to connect through hanging and have only the fax and retry again? I would love to be able to beat the # key and cancel the fax and send a message to the fax that reached a phone number, not a fax number, dial and try again. If you have information about a fax that can do that, please let me know.

How to Buy a Black-and-White Fax Machine

Fax machines come with many features of buyers, but some just want the basics. Follow these steps to reduce its options if you are buying a black and white model fax.

Things you need:

• Internet Access
• Computer

Step1 Decide what features you need. Want a fast machine or a fax that can in large volume? Do you need a built-in scanner or a copier?

Step2 Research their options online. You can gather the most information in the shortest time reading and commentary on Internet forums.

Step3 Narrow their choices to two or three machines that best fit their needs.

Step4 Comparison store. Visit several online retailers and examine their prices. Moreover, local newspapers search for sales and prices in the shops nearby. Choose a model that comes closest to fulfilling their demands.

Step5 Set her new black and white fax machine and test-drive it. Always follow the installation instructions in the owner's manual.

How to Send a Fax From a Computer

Sending a fax from your computer requires a fax modem and that its operating system to be configured lets you send and receive faxes

To send a fax, fax software

Step1 Prepare the document you want to fax.

Step2 Prepare a fax cover sheet, if desired.

Step3 Open your fax software - like Microsoft Fax or Microsoft Exchange.

Step4 Look an icon or menu command that lets you send a fax - as New Mail and Fax Mail. Click on that topic.

Step5 Follow instructions for entering the recipient's fax number and any other information requested. Be sure to include area codes and long-distance information if necessary.

Step6 Indicate if you want to send a cover.

Step7 When asked to attach the file, follow the instructions to attach the file you want to fax.

Step 8 When ready, click Submit. The fax begin to gather information and, when ready, will mark the remote fax machine.

Step9 When the connection is made, the fax was sent.

To fax from your word processing program

Step1 Some software products like Microsoft Word, let you fax a document without opening its fax software.

Step2 Open the document you want to fax.

Step3 From the File menu, select Print. Print window opens.

Step4 Instead print your default printer, look for an option that lets you print to fax. Select this option and click Print.

Step5 You will be asked to provide the recipient fax number and other information as a variety program with a fax.

Step6 The compiles message fax modem brand. If the connection is made with the other modem, the fax was sent.

How to Receive a Fax on a Computer

To receive faxes, you need a fax modem, PC and operating system must be configured to allow sending and receiving faxes. You can receive a fax manually or automatically.

Things you need:
Fax Software

Receiving a fax manually

Step1 Open your fax software (Microsoft Fax, Microsoft Exchange or other software fax you may be using).

Step2 Locate an icon or menu command that lets you receive faxes (Receive, Appetizers, etc.).

Step3 Click on the icon or menu command that provides equipment to receive.

Step4 Avoid lift the telephone receiver when you hear the new ring. Responding to

Step5 Click now. The fax will start the download.

Step6 When incoming fax is received, go to your inbox to open, read or print your fax.

Receiving a fax automatically

Step1 Open your fax software (Microsoft Fax, Microsoft Exchange or other software fax you may be using).

Step2 Locate an icon or menu command that lets you receive faxes. Look for an option that lets you receive faxes automatically. Establishing such an option.

Step3 When there is a new fax, the phone rings. If the receiver is not lifted, the fax will be downloaded onto your computer. You do not have to hit reply.

Step4 Retrieve received faxes from your inbox software