Things You'll Need:
- Computer with a fax modem
- Standard phone line
- Faxing software
- Printer
-
Step 1
Determine the type of operating system that your computer is running on. For instance, your computer may use the Windows XP operating system or Windows Vista if it is a new model. If your computer is older, you may possibly be running Windows 98. The quickest way to determine this is to click on the Start Menu, right click on My Computer and then click Properties.
-
Step 2
Locate a faxing program that is compatible with your computer’s operating system. If you are using Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Ultimate or Windows Vista Enterprise, you already have a faxing program on your computer. You can find it under the All Programs tab. If you are using Windows XP, the operating system already has a faxing program as well. It can be found by opening up a document, clicking print, and then changing the print setting to faxing mode. If you are not using any of these systems, it may be necessary to install third party software for faxing.
-
Step 3
Find the phone jack input located on your computer’s outer shell. On a laptop it may be found on one of the sides or the back of the computer. On a tower, it is usually located on the back. It looks just like the jack that you plug your regular wall phone into, and has a direct connection to your computer’s internal fax modem. If you are using DSL or dial-up, you will already have a line running into it. But you cannot use your DSL line to fax! Your computer must be directly connected to a standard phone line.
-
Step 4
Plug your regular phone line into the phone jack that is on your computer. If you are connected to the Internet using this jack, you will need to disconnect it to plug in your phone line. At this point you will no longer be able to connect to the Internet, but you will be ready to send and receive faxes.
-
Step 5
Open the faxing program on your computer and follow the faxing instructions. At this point the program should take over the process and prompt you when it needs your input. Since this process is completely computerized the use of paper documents will not be possible. You will only be able to fax documents that are already on your computer that have been scanned or composed through email or word processing programs. The faxes that you receive will be converted into content viewable on your computer and compatible with your computer’s printer.
