How to Operate a FAX Machine

The keypad of a fax machine.

There are times when you must send a document to another person quickly, and sending it by the United States Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, or a courier would take too long or be too expensive. Solve this problem by sending the document via fax, using a fax machine. A fax machine copies a document and sends the copy to another fax machine using a telephone line in minutes. Faxing only costs a small fraction of what a courier or parcel service charges.

Instructions

1. Place the document that you wish to fax into the loading tray of the fax machine. Some fax machines require you to place the document into the machine with the text face-up, while others require you to place them face-down. Check the loading tray for a diagram that shows you which direction the text of your document should face.

2. Dial the fax number to which you wish to send the fax by using the keypad.

3. Press the button that will send the fax. The name of the button will vary depending on the make and model of the fax machine, but it is usually called "Send," "Start," or "Go." Your document will then be scanned and sent to the number that you entered.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using a multi-function or combination printer/scanner/copier/fax machine you will have to select the fax function before you enter the number to which you wish to send the fax.

References

• Southern Methodist University - Center for Information Processing: Fax Machine Instructions