Computer Fax: No Hardware or Software

As computer faxing evolves, new features and functions have made it easier and more affordable. Most importantly, users don't need any special hardware or software and the service can be easily implemented for both large and small business applications.

Computer fax is becoming increasingly popular because it allows users to send and receive faxes from their desktop computers, laptops and PDA devices. It is also referred to as pc faxing, fax to email, and internet faxing.
 

Both large and small businesses utilize computer faxing the most for a variety of reasons. It helps to create more of a paperless environment while providing a greater level of security because faxes are emailed directly to the proper contacts and don't have to be sorted or delivered by others. Received faxes can also be printed out, or saved to a hard drive, or forwarded to others via email. Another big advantage is to be able to receive faxes anywhere you can you retrieve your email. You only need an Internet connection to send and receive faxes. So, whether you are home or sitting in a beach with a wi-fi connection, if you're online you can use computer faxing to send and receive important documents.

For a small monthly fee, you can sign up for a computer fax service that will provide you with a new local or toll free fax number, or the ability to port your existing fax number over to the new service. Once you are enrolled, people use your fax number like they normally would to send you a fax. The documents that are being faxed to you are automatically converted into PDF files and sent to you via email as attachments. You can have the files go to any email address you choose. In effect, computer faxing converts a traditional fax machine into a scanner by instantly digitizing documents that are sent to you.

From the point of view of the person sending you a fax, the change is transparent and no difference will be noticed. They don't know you are receiving your fax on the computer as an email attachment. For all they know, you The service is transparent and they fax you like they normally would.

Sending faxes from you computer only involves using your email. By utilizing a specially formatted TO: address, which also happens to include the fax number you want a document sent to, you can have your message sent to a traditional fax machine. You'll also have optional functions that include being able to sign your faxes electronically. You can also use email to send faxes from your computer. By putting in a special address which includes the fax number you want your documents sent to, you can attach documents and have them arrive at a destination as a traditional fax. Optional functions also include editing, highlighting and signing faxes with your authenticated digital signature.

In fact, if you are on the road and are looking to print out a fax you received via computer faxing, you can use your email to forward your fax to the nearest fax machine (i.e. hotel) and print it out. You can do that with any document you have, and enables you to be almost anywhere and still have printing capabilities without the need to carry a printer with you. Many users rate that function highly since it provides a tremendous convenience and turns any conventional fax machine nearby into a handy printer.

As business and individuals look for additional ways to streamline their operations and lives, you'll find computer faxing is one of the easiest and simplest ways to achieve cost and time savings.