I want to use my computer to receive faxes

[pie]

How does that work?

[Blue-Jay]

1. Go to efax.com

They will issue you a fax number and email the document to your inbox.

They'll also flood your inbox with spam from their company and maybe some others. I haven't tried it, but I assume it works.

[pie]

4. Good, very good. I hate my fax machine. It wants to go into the dumpster

I can tell

[fleabert]

6. I have used efax, it's not that bad.

helps out in a pinch if you need a fax # quick.

Free if you take any number they give you, long distance probably. I set it up from KY and got a number in Idaho.

spend a little and you get a local number.

It's fast and easy to set up, but you do get a lot of emails from them. I don't know if anyone else got my email from them, I have a good junk mail filter.

[BansheeDem]

2. You have to have special software installed ...

Most printers come with a disk/cd that contains software that will allow you to receive faxes (and send them). Check yours and see if it is included in the bundle.

[meegbear]

3. Windows has fax software ...

From Windows XP help ...

Using FaxFax provides you with complete fax facilities from your computer. You can configure fax settings, send and receive faxes, track and monitor fax activity, and access archived faxes. Using Fax, you can choose to send and receive faxes with a local fax device attached to your computer, or with a remote fax device connected to fax resources located on a network.

Fax is not installed by default during Windows Setup.

To install the Fax component
Open Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel.
Click Add/Remove Windows Components.
In the Windows Components Wizard, select the Fax Services check box, and then follow the instructions on your screen.

Notes
To open Fax after installation, click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to Communications, and then click Fax Console.
For more information on using Fax, click Help in Fax Console.

[pie]

5. Good, very good. Why didn't I already know that?

[fleabert]

7. good to know! thanks!

I will keep efax for when I travel.

[Floogeldy]

8. I got a U.S. Robotics external modem

It comes with a good quality speakerphone function and software that allows to operate it on your computer. With it, you can send and receive faxes. Its a bit expensive, but I can't stand to hold a receiver to my ear and try to type on the computer. Plus, I didn't have to buy a fax machine.