How to Buy a Network-Ready Fax Machine

If you want to buy a network-ready fax machine, you probably have multiple computers you want to fax from. A network-ready fax machine has the necessary network adapter for that use already built in.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Computer

1. Find a space for your fax machine. If you plan to have a wireless network, this is not a big concern. Otherwise, the fax machine should be near the network hub.

2. Have at least a Windows 98 operating system to be compatible with the fax machine.

3. Make sure the machine has networking abilities that mesh with your system. For example, the box or description should tell you the network abilities include Ethernet.

4. Figure out how much faxing you need to do to determine how much paper you need the machine to hold or feed at once, and the amount of pages the machine can keep in its memory. Memory may be listed in megabytes, such as 32 MB. That should be sufficient, unless you have an unusual amount of large fax jobs. The machine should be able to accommodate additional memory.

5. Get a machine that has laser printing or inkjet printing at the very least for a network printer. It is faster and will get jobs through quicker—key for dealing with several computers at once.

6. Make sure the fax machine has auto redial, speed dial, auto phone/fax switchover and multiple location faxing abilities.

7. Check online for customer reviews of the product. A good Web site is Amazon (see link below). Type in the name of the product and scroll down for reviews.

8. Read the directions before you install the machine. Make sure all components on the system can work together. Keep all packaging in case you need to return it. Report any glitches as soon as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• A warranty on parts and labor should be 1 year, at minimum. Also, ask about service for the machine.
• If you have or want a wireless network, make sure the machine has a wireless network adapter, or can be adapted for wireless work. Having a wireless network is great for offices or homes where running wire between computers is not an option.
• If you are not a tech wizard, and are trying to network your technology at home by yourself, ask for advice at the store where you will purchase a router, hub or access point that will connect all your electronics. Without the right equipment, nothing will work correctly and frustration will abound!