How to Fax a Document on a Computer Using an Internet Fax Account

Internet faxing is here to stay. In most cases it's cheaper, faster and easier than traditional faxing. This is especially true if you do a lot of faxing, considering the amount of paper you'll save and the fact that you don't need a fax machine, just your computer and the Internet. Here's how to fax a document on a computer using an Internet fax account.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Start your computer, and make sure that you've got an active, viable (and preferably high-speed) Internet connection. Without one, you won't be able to send or receive Internet faxes on your account.

2. Download and install an Internet fax account if you haven't got one already. Research online which provider best fits the number of faxes you send/receive, the price you want to pay and your computing ability.

3. Open the Internet fax program and locate the icon for creating a new fax. Most of the time it is labeled "New" or something similar.

4. Consider sending a test fax to another of your email addresses or a friend's address to make sure you're using your new program correctly.

5. Fill in your personal or professional information as well as the names and fax numbers of each recipient you'll send the fax to. Add text or attach a file if you desire by locating the "Attach" icon as you might in an email.

6. Review your fax, and when you are happy with the results, click "Send" to send your Internet fax.

Tips & Warnings

• Some programs have built-in faxing capabilities. Microsoft Word 2003, for example, will let you send Word documents as faxes by clicking "File," pointing to "Send To," then selecting "Fax Recipient."

• To increase the quality of your faxes, you can get a service with higher dpi (dots per square inch), use better paper or use a higher quality print setting.

• Be wary of providers offering free Internet faxing. Some providers offer a small number of trial faxes, but full-time free faxing should be a red flag for a scam.