How to Receive a Fax

You can receive a fax with a standalone fax machine, an all-in-one printer/scanner/fax, an Internet fax service or a fax software program installed on your computer. Follow these steps to do any of the above.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access or a phone line
• Fax machine
• Faxing software
• Internet faxing service

Using a Fax Machine

1. Check that you have properly loaded the fax machine's toner or ink cartridges. Confirm that the machine has enough paper.

2. Connect the fax machine to a working phone line.

3. Turn on the fax. Most machines are ready to receive when they are powered on. When someone transmits a fax to you, wait for the document to finish printing. Retrieve it after it arrives in the output tray.

Using an Internet Fax Service

4. Select a software program such as Winfax Pro or choose an Internet fax service.

5. Install and configure the fax program or service. Use the default settings at first. Later, you can modify the settings for your specific needs.

6. The fax program or service will run in the background on your computer. When a fax arrives, a visual prompt or tone will notify you. Click on the prompt or open the fax program or service to read the incoming fax.

Tips & Warnings

• Compare Internet faxing services and select the one that best suits your needs.
• Online faxing will save you long-distance charges.
• Some computer faxing software requires a fax modem.